Actor and race car driver Frankie Muniz has been discharged from a hospital after experiencing a crash during practice laps at Daytona International Speedway.
The 40-year-old, known for his role in Malcolm in the Middle, was preparing for a Veterans Day charity race held on Wednesday night at Daytona’s road course in Florida.
In a statement released prior to the event, Muniz expressed his disappointment about missing Ford’s Proud to Honor event. “I was eager to honor our veterans and compete against these incredible drivers,” he stated.
Muniz mentioned feeling “a bit sore,” but noted that the Mustang he was driving did an effective job of protecting him.
“I wish to extend my gratitude to everyone at Ford Racing, Daytona International Speedway, and the hospital staff,” Muniz added. “I especially appreciate everyone who reached out and offered prayers.”
According to a NASCAR announcement, Muniz and NASCAR driver Austin Cindric were scheduled to represent Team Air Force in an exhibition race aimed at benefiting six nonprofits that assist U.S. military and veteran communities through the Proud to Honor Fund.
From Actor to Driver
Muniz received an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations for his performance in Malcolm in the Middle, making him one of the most recognized child actors of his generation. His film credits include titles like Big Fat Liar, Deuces Wild, Agent Cody Banks, and Racing Stripes.
As stated on his website, Muniz stepped away from the entertainment industry in 2006 to focus on professional race car driving.
Frankie Muniz is seen racing during qualifying for a NASCAR truck series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, in Daytona Beach, Fla., on Feb. 14, 2025. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/The Associated Press)
He began his racing career in the Formula BMW USA Championship and continued to compete in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship from 2007 to 2009. Muniz finished fourth in the 2009 championship standings, but a season-ending injury led to several surgeries, according to his website.
In 2024, Muniz participated in 38 races each in both the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts series and the truck series.
Over the past three years, he has taken part in 117 truck series races, achieving one Top 10 finish at Daytona in 2025.