UPDATE — 11/12/26, 00:40 a.m. ET: Malcolm in the Middle alum Frankie Muniz is assuring worried fans he is on the mend after being hospitalized in Florida.
A Wednesday, November 11, statement from Ford Racing confirmed that Muniz, 40, had been released from the hospital after several hours under observation. The actor-turned-racing driver was injured in a crash that occurred on a practice lap at the Daytona International Speedway prior to the Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic event.
“I am disappointed I won’t be able to take part in tonight’s Ford’s Proud to Honor event tonight,” Muniz said in an accompanying statement. “I was looking forward to honoring the service of our veterans and racing against these other amazing drivers.”
Muniz offered an update on his physical condition, admitting he was “a little sore” after being rushed off the racetrack to receive medical attention hours earlier.
“My Mustang did its job in protecting me,” he stressed. “I want to thank everyone at Ford Racing, the Daytona International Speedway and the staff here at the hospital.”
The star added, “I especially wanted to thank everyone who has reached out and for all the prayers.”
Original story:
Frankie Muniz was hospitalized after being involved in a crash at the Daytona International Speedway.
Us has learned that Muniz crashed on Wednesday, November 11 during a practice lap ahead of Ford’s Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic.
“Frankie Muniz was involved in an incident while practicing for today’s Proud to Honor event at Daytona International Speedway,” a Ford spokesperson told Us. “He was transported to a local medical facility for further evaluation. He is awake and alert.”
Us has also reached out to Muniz’s team for comment. Entertainment Tonight was first to report the news.
Last month, the Malcolm in the Middle actor sat down with Us and shared how excited he was to participate in an event aimed to honor all six branches of the Armed Services. (Muniz’s grandfather, John Preli, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, while his father, Francisco, served in the Navy and Air Force for over 20 years as a mechanic.)
“We all owe so much to live in this amazing country to the military,” Muniz shared in October. “It’s going to be an ultra-competitive race because we’re race car drivers, and that’s how we roll. But it’s going to be a blast, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
Although the Ford driver grew up acting in projects like Agent Cody Banks and Big Fat Liar, Muniz has since turned his focus to racing.
When comparing the sport to acting, Muniz is grateful racing is not subjective.
“It’s not someone’s opinion whether you’re the best or you’re the fastest,” he explained. “I like — not to toot my own horn but — there are only 100 drivers on the planet that have a NASCAR license right now, and I’m one of them, and I’m so grateful for that, and I want to take advantage of the opportunity and do all I can to succeed as much as I possibly can in this world because I know I’m lucky and I truly truly love it.”
Muniz continued, “The thought of stopping racing scares the heck out of me because I do get so much joy and happiness. … I loved what I got to do as an actor 100 percent, especially lately. … but nothing quite compares to that feeling of being fastest or winning or having a good race or something crazy happened. I think that that’s something that you just — I can’t compare it to anything else I’ve ever done, and that’s why I want to continue doing it as long as I can, while I can, for sure.”
