'Malcolm in the Middle' star, race car driver Frankie Muniz hospitalized after Daytona crash
Frankie Muniz, the former child star turned race car driver, was hospitalized after a practice-lap crash at Daytona International Speedway while preparing for the Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic, an exhibition benefiting military and veteran nonprofits. He was reported to be awake and alert, with team updates promised as information becomes available. The event paired Muniz with NASCAR driver Austin Cindric to represent Team Air Force, featuring Ford Racing drivers in six Mustang Dark Horse cars and a lineup of musical performances. The race aims to honor veterans and raise funds for six nonprofits, with organizers emphasizing ongoing updates as the situation evolves. The incident adds to Muniz’s continued involvement in racing, with the event serving as a public-facing charity effort ahead of the evening’s activities.
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Muniz was practicing for the Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic at Daytona's road course when the crash occurred; the event is an exhibition race intended to benefit military and veteran communities.
Team Reaume announced on X that Muniz was awake and alert and pledged to share updates as they become available, while thanking supporters for respecting his privacy.
In the event, Muniz and NASCAR driver Austin Cindric were set to represent Team Air Force, with a dozen Ford Racing drivers divided into six teams competing head-to-head in Mustang Dark Horse cars.
Musical performances from the Zac Brown Band, Russell Dickerson, Jo Dee Messina, Brittney Spencer, and Warren Zeiders were part of the evening’s program, contributing to the charity-focused format.
Muniz, known for Malcolm in the Middle and various films, has balanced acting with racing since 2006, including a shift from entertainment to endurance on-track competition.
His racing résumé includes time in the Formula BMW USA Championship and the Champ Car Atlantic Championship (2007–09), where a late-season injury in 2009 led to surgeries.
In 2024 he competed in 38 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts and Truck Series races, and over the past three years has participated in 117 Truck Series races, recording one top-10 finish at Daytona in 2025.