Frankie Muniz crash update: ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ actor released from hospital after crashing his car at Daytona Speedway during practice lap

Actor turned race car driver Frankie Muniz got into a crash at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida. The crash occurred after a practice lap, his NASCAR team said. According to them, Muniz had been practicing for the ‘Proud to Honor’ event at the speedway scheduled for veterans days.

His team further added that the former actor was taken to a medical facility following the crash to undergo further evaluation. He is “awake and alert”, Team Reaume added. Muniz will no longer participate in Ford’s Veterans Day Classic, which he had been practicing for.

Muniz was later released from the hospital after staying there for a couple of hour, TMZ reported. In a statement to Fox Sports he said, "I am disappointed I won't be able to take part in Ford's Proud to Honor event." He added that he was a little sore but his car protected him during the crash. Muniz also thanked all those who sent prayers his way.

What is known about the crash?

Muniz was among twelve drivers who were set to compete for the charity race on Wednesday, November 11. Other major drivers included Logan Sargeant and Joey Logano. According to Entertainment Tonight, who were at the place of the incident, the crash took place during a practice lap.

Rescuers later cut the top of the car to get Muniz out. A photo, captured by Entertainment Tonight and circulating on social media showed the blue and white car with significant damage to the front. The car’s seemingly hood took most of the damage. The photo showed it bumped up. The car’s roof could also be seen cut open and placed inside.

The general public was not allowed into the speedway when the crash occurred. Jenson Altzman will now take Muniz’s spot on the team with Cup Series driver Austin Cindric to represent Air Force.

Muniz put acting on hold to pursue racing

The actor famously played Malcolm on the Fox sitcom, ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ from 2000 to 2006. He was nominated for both an Emmy and two Golden Globes for his role on the show. However, in 2008 Muniz put his acting career on hold to pursue a second career in racing.

He began with the Atlantic Championship. Muniz later joined stock car racing and joined Rette Jones Racing in 2023. He has since been competing full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and drives the number 33 Ford F-150 for Team Reaume. He marked his 25th year in racing during the Craftsman series earlier this year.

The actor reunited with the sitcom’s cast last year for the revival and talked about committing to his racing career. According to Entertainment Tonight, Bryan Cranston, who played Muniz’s dad on ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ was supposed to be present at the Daytona Speedway to support him during the event.