Actor Frankie Muniz Released After Practice Crash at Daytona
Frankie Muniz was discharged from the hospital following a practice-lap accident at Daytona International Speedway and will miss the Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic event.
Actor and race car driver Frankie Muniz was released from a hospital on Wednesday after a crash during a practice lap at Daytona International Speedway. The 40-year-old, known for his role in "Malcolm in the Middle," was preparing for the Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic, a benefit race scheduled for that evening on the road course.
"I am disappointed I won't be able to take part in Ford's Proud to Honor event tonight," Muniz said in a statement. "I was looking forward to honoring the service of our veterans and racing against these other amazing drivers."
Muniz described himself as "a little sore" but said the Mustang he was driving performed as intended in protecting him. He thanked Ford Racing, the speedway, hospital staff and supporters for their assistance and prayers.
Muniz and NASCAR driver Austin Cindric had been slated to represent Team Air Force in the exhibition race, which benefits six nonprofits supporting military and veteran communities through the Proud to Honor Fund, according to a NASCAR release. The event features twelve Ford Racing drivers divided into six teams racing Mustang Dark Horse cars, each honoring a branch of the U.S. military, with musical performances by the Zac Brown Band, Russell Dickerson, Jo Dee Messina, Brittney Spencer and Warren Zeiders.
Muniz, an Emmy and Golden Globe nominee, transitioned from acting to professional racing in 2006. He has competed in Formula BMW USA, the Champ Car Atlantic Championship, and, more recently, the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts and Craftsman Truck Series, accumulating 117 Truck Series starts and a top-10 finish at Daytona in 2025.