Frankie Muniz hospitalized after practice crash at Daytona ahead of Veterans Day race

Key points

• Muniz crashed into a tire barrier in the infield of the road course, destroying the front of his car.
• He was taken to a local medical facility for evaluation and is currently awake and alert, according to Ford and Team Reaume.
• Muniz was set to co-drive with Austin Cindric in the Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic, a charity race honoring veterans.
• The exhibition race, featuring 12 Ford Mustang drivers, is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. EST on USA Network.
• Muniz, 40, competes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the Pirelli GT4 America Series.

Background

Muniz, best known for his role in 'Malcolm in the Middle,' has been racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Team Reaume since 2024. He also competes in the Pirelli GT4 America Series, where he recently won the Am championship. This incident is the latest in a series of practice-related issues at Daytona, as driver Ryan Blaney recently withdrew from the event due to a fall requiring medical attention.

How outlets are covering it

Motorsport.com and NASCAR.com reported the crash and Muniz's hospitalization, citing official statements from Ford and Team Reaume. Variety emphasized the cancellation of his participation in the race and noted that Bryan Cranston, his co-star from 'Malcolm in the Middle,' was also set to attend the event. Entertainment Tonight provided details about the crash, including that Muniz's car had its roof cut away by rescue workers, and confirmed he would not participate in the race. All sources agree on the basic facts of the crash and hospitalization, but differ in emphasis, with Variety and ET focusing on the cancellation of his race and the presence of Cranston, while Motorsport.com and NASCAR.com focused on the official statements and the event details.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the risks associated with motorsport, even in practice sessions, and the impact on high-profile drivers who balance racing with other careers. It also underscores the importance of safety measures and emergency response at major racing events like Daytona International Speedway.

What to watch

Updates on Muniz's condition are expected as they become available. The Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic is scheduled to proceed as planned, with 12 Ford drivers competing in the exhibition race. Muniz's absence will be noted, and the event will continue to honor veterans as intended.