Actor and race car driver Frankie Muniz has been released from a hospital after a practice-lap crash at Daytona International Speedway. The 40-year-old said he was “a little sore” and would not take part in the Ford Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic, according to the Associated Press and NASCAR’s update.

Muniz says he is sore and will miss the race

In a statement reported by AP, Muniz said he was disappointed to miss the Wednesday-night event and thanked Ford Racing, Daytona International Speedway and hospital staff. He also credited the Mustang he was driving with protecting him. The statement did not describe the cause of the crash or specify any diagnosis.

Team Reaume initially said Muniz was taken to a local medical facility for evaluation and was awake and alert. NASCAR later reported that he had been released. Neither the team nor NASCAR described the incident as involving any other driver.

A substitute took his place at Daytona

Muniz had been scheduled to team with NASCAR driver Austin Cindric to represent the U.S. Air Force in the exhibition. Ford factory development driver Jenson Altzman competed in Muniz’s place, NASCAR said.

The Veterans Day Classic paired a dozen Ford Racing drivers in six teams, with each team representing a branch of the U.S. military. The benefit supports six nonprofits serving military members and veterans, according to the NASCAR event announcement.

Muniz balances acting and racing

Muniz is known for starring in “Malcolm in the Middle” and has also pursued professional racing for years. AP reported that he has made 117 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts over the past three seasons; his best finish at Daytona was 10th in 2025. The race schedule has often overlapped with his entertainment work.

For more coverage of performers and public figures, visit The Globuzz’s Celebrity section.

Sources

Associated Press: Muniz released from hospital after the Daytona crash; NASCAR: release update and event details; Variety: initial report on the Daytona incident.