Actor and race-car driver Frankie Muniz has been discharged from a hospital after 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 benefit race that occurred Wednesday night at the road course in Daytona, Florida.
“I am saddened that I won’t be able to participate in Ford’s Proud to Honor event tonight,” Muniz expressed in a statement prior to the event. “I was eager to pay tribute to our veterans and to race alongside these incredible drivers.”
Muniz mentioned that he felt “a bit sore,” but credited the Mustang he was driving for its protective capabilities.
“I want to extend my gratitude to everyone at Ford Racing, Daytona International Speedway, and the hospital staff,” Muniz added. “A special thanks to all who have reached out and for the numerous prayers.”
Muniz, along with NASCAR driver Austin Cindric, was scheduled to represent Team Air Force in an exhibition race aimed at benefiting six non-profit organizations that assist U.S. military and veteran communities through the Proud to Honor Fund, as stated in a NASCAR announcement.
From Actor to Driver
Muniz was nominated for an Emmy and two Golden Globe Awards for his performance in Malcolm in the Middle and was among the most recognizable child actors of his generation. He has also starred in movies like Big Fat Liar, Deuces Wild, Agent Cody Banks, and Racing Stripes.
As per his website, Muniz stepped away from the entertainment industry in 2006 to focus on professional race-car driving.
Frankie Muniz is pictured 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 subsequently competed in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship from 2007 to 2009. Muniz ranked fourth in the 2009 championship standings, but a season-ending injury led to multiple surgeries, as noted on his website.
In 2024, Muniz participated in 38 races across both the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts and trucks series.
Over the past three years, he has taken part in 117 truck series races, achieving one Top 10 finish at Daytona in 2025.