Actor-turned-professional-racer Frankie Muniz gave fans a major scare on Wednesday, November 11, after sustaining a crash during a practice session at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The 40-year-old Malcolm in the Middle star—who first launched his professional motorsports career back in 2006—was on the track preparing for the Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic when the accident occurred.
Following the on-track incident, emergency crews swiftly transported Muniz to a local medical facility for precautionary testing. A representative for Ford quickly stepped in to reassure worried supporters, confirming to Page Six that Muniz “was involved in an incident while practicing for today’s Proud to Honor [Veterans Day Classic] at Daytona International Speedway,” was “transported to a local medical facility for further evaluation,” and remained “awake and alert” throughout the process.
Later that evening, after being discharged by medical personnel, Muniz released an official statement through NASCAR,expressing gratitude for the safety engineering of his vehicle while voicing disappointment over missing the tribute race—an event his former TV dad, Bryan Cranston, had originally planned to attend in support.
“I am disappointed I won’t be able to take part in Ford’s Proud to Honor event tonight,” Muniz shared with NASCAR. “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 had been scheduled to team up with Team Penske driver Austin Cindric to represent the U.S. Air Force in the exhibition showcase. With Muniz sidelined to rest and recover, Ford factory development driver Jenson Altzman stepped into the seat to compete in his place.
