Malcolm in the Middle' Star Frankie Muniz Released From Hospital After Daytona Crash

Malcolm in the Middle’ Star Frankie Muniz Released From Hospital After Daytona Crash

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Actor and race car driver Frankie Muniz was released from a Florida hospital following a practice-lap crash on Wednesday at Daytona International Speedway, Sportsnet.ca reported.

The 40-year-old star of “Malcolm in the Middle” was practicing for the Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic, a benefit race scheduled for Wednesday night at Daytona’s road course, according to Motorsport.com. Muniz crashed his Mustang nose-first into an infield tire barrier during the session.

Entertainment Tonight reported that rescue workers cut away the roof of the heavily damaged car following the impact, according to Motorsport.com. At the time of the incident, Muniz was second-fastest in the practice session.

Following the crash, a Ford representative said that Muniz was “awake and alert” before being transported to a local medical facility for further evaluation, Page Six reported. Us Weekly confirmed that Ford Racing later announced Muniz had been released from the hospital after several hours under observation.

Because of the crash, Muniz did not compete in the evening event and was replaced by Ford factory development driver Jenson Altzman, Motorsport.com reported. Muniz had been slated to represent Team Air Force alongside NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Cindric in the exhibition race.

“I am disappointed I won’t be able to take part in Ford’s Proud to Honor event tonight,” Muniz said in a statement reported by Sportsnet.ca. “I was looking forward to honouring the service of our veterans and racing against these other amazing drivers.”

Muniz added that he was a “little sore,” but said that the Mustang he was driving did its job to protect him, according to Sportsnet.ca. “I want to thank everyone at Ford Racing, Daytona International Speedway and the staff here at the hospital. I especially want to thank everyone who has reached out and for all the prayers.”

NASCAR benefits race supports military and veteran nonprofits

The benefit race was organized to support six nonprofits that assist military and veteran communities through the Proud to Honor Fund, according to NASCAR. The exhibition race, which also lost driver Ryan Blaney following a recent fall, was scheduled for 8 p.m. EST with a broadcast on USA Network and Fandango.

Muniz, who was nominated for an Emmy and two Golden Globe Awards for his work on “Malcolm in the Middle,” has appeared in films including “Big Fat Liar,” “Deuces Wild,” “Agent Cody Banks,” and “Racing Stripes.” According to his website, he took a hiatus from acting in 2006 to pursue professional racing.

He competed in the Formula BMW USA Championship and later the Champ Car Atlantic Championship from 2007-09. He placed fourth in the 2009 standings before a season-ending injury required multiple surgeries. In 2024, he ran 38 races each in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts and truck series. He has participated in 117 truck series races over the last three years, earning one top-10 finish at Daytona in 2025.

Malcolm in the Middle' Star Frankie Muniz Released From Hospital After Daytona Crash
Photo: Page Six

Prior to the incident, Muniz expressed that his participation was a tribute to his father, who served in the Air Force and Navy, and his grandfather, who served in the Navy. He also said that his former on-screen father, Bryan Cranston, was expected to attend the race to cheer him on, calling it a “full-circle moment” because he credited Cranston with introducing him to the sport in 2004.

Disclaimer: The cultural analyses and financial data presented in this article are based on available public records and industry metrics at the time of publication.

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