Actor and professional racing driver Frankie Muniz was discharged from a local hospital on Nov. 11, 2026, after sustaining a crash during a practice session at Daytona International Speedway, according to Yahoo.
The 40-year-old former child star, widely recognized for his television and film work, was preparing for the inaugural “Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic” when the accident occurred on the track’s road course.
Images from the scene showed heavy damage to Muniz’s racecar with its roof removed, prompting immediate concern from fans and officials alike.
Frankie Muniz is in the hospital after he was involved in a crash at the Daytona International Speedway. ET was on site to interview Frankie, who was set to drive for Team Air Force at Ford's Veterans Day Classic, when he crashed during a practice lap. The speedway was not… pic.twitter.com/6XxUDbu7je
— Post by @etnow on X
Prior to his release, his racing organization, Team Reaume, and Ford Racing issued statements confirming that he was transported to a local medical facility for evaluation, where he remained awake and alert. Because the incident transpired during a private practice session, the track was not open to the general public.
The exhibition race was designed as a benefit for military and veteran communities through the Proud to Honor Fund, pairing a dozen Ford Racing drivers into six teams representing different branches of the U.S. military.
Frankie Muniz was involved in an incident while practicing for today's Proud to Honor event at Daytona International Speedway. He was taken to a local medical facility for further evaluation and is awake and alert. We'll share updates as they become available. Thank you for your… pic.twitter.com/WL3lQNtomL
— Post by @TeamReaume on X
Muniz and NASCAR driver Austin Cindric were scheduled to represent Team Air Force in Mustang Dark Horse cars. Following the crash, Ford development driver Jenson Altzman stepped in to replace Muniz in the lineup for the evening event, which was broadcast on USA Network.
Speaking to The Independent following his discharge, Muniz expressed regret over missing the competition.
“I am disappointed I won't be able to take part in Ford's Proud to Honor event tonight. I was looking forward to honoring the service of our veterans and racing against these other amazing drivers. I am a little sore, but my Mustang did its job in protecting me. 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,” Muniz said.
According to USA Today, fellow driver Brad Keselowski told reporters that data reviews conducted by the Ford Racing team indicated the crash was not caused by any mechanical malfunction of the vehicle.
Brad Keselowski, in talking to us earlier tonight, indicated that the Muniz crash wasn't a car malfunction: "The team here at Ford Racing looked through all the data and didn’t find anything happened to the car (before the crash). I think we’re all pretty comfortable.” https://t.co/UrMrZEVgr6
— Post by @bobpockrass on X
The incident marks a dramatic moment in Muniz’s ongoing transition from Hollywood to professional motorsports. After gaining fame as the star of the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle—a role that earned him an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations—Muniz stepped away from acting in 2006 to pursue racing.
Over recent years, he has competed extensively in stock car and sports car circuits. He began driving full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Team Reaume in the No. 33 Ford, recording multiple top-20 finishes. Earlier this year, he also captured an Am Class championship in the GT4 America Series alongside co-driver Tyler Stone while driving a Ford Mustang for TechSport Racing.
Despite the high-speed scare at Daytona, the medical evaluation and subsequent release suggest Muniz will avoid long-term setbacks. He is currently expected to continue his racing career in both the NASCAR Truck Series and the GT4 America Series.
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