Frankie Muniz Hospitalized After Daytona Practice Crash, Released Same Night: 'A Little Sore'

Actor and race car driver Frankie Muniz was hospitalized on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, after a crash during practice at Daytona International Speedway in Florida. The 40-year-old "Malcolm in the Middle" star was taken to a local medical facility for evaluation, where his team said he was "awake and alert," and he was released from hospital the same evening.

In short: Frankie Muniz, 40, crashed during practice for Ford's Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic at Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday, November 11. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was awake and alert, and was released the same evening. Muniz said he was "a little sore" but credited his Ford Mustang with protecting him, and he missed the veterans' benefit race that night.

What happened at Daytona

Muniz was practicing on the infield road course at Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday afternoon ahead of the Ford Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic, a benefit exhibition race scheduled for Wednesday night. During the session, his car hit the tire barrier and he was taken to a local medical facility for further evaluation.

His team, Reaume Brothers Racing, said in a statement: "Frankie Muniz was involved in an incident while practicing for today's Proud to Honor event at Daytona International Speedway. He was transported to a local medical facility for further evaluation. He is awake and alert. We'll share updates as they become available. Thank you for your support and for respecting Frankie's privacy at this time."

Ford Racing confirmed later on Wednesday evening that Muniz had been released from the hospital. No diagnosis has been named, and the cause of the crash has not been disclosed.

Muniz speaks after his release

After leaving hospital, Muniz released a statement through Ford Racing. The 40-year-old said: "I am a little sore, but my Mustang did its job in protecting me." He did not specify any injuries, and no timeline for his return to racing has been given.

The crash forced Muniz to withdraw from the Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic on Wednesday night. He had been set to team up with NASCAR driver Austin Cindric to represent Team Air Force in the six-team exhibition event, in which each team was named for a branch of the U.S. military and the race benefits six nonprofits that support military and veteran communities through the Proud to Honor Fund.

From child star to NASCAR driver

Muniz first became famous as the title character in the hit sitcom "Malcolm in the Middle," which ran from 2000 to 2006. He later turned to professional motorsport and now races in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Reaume Brothers Racing, while also competing in exhibition events such as the Daytona veterans' classic.

The Daytona incident is the latest chapter in a racing career that has seen Muniz steadily climb the stock-car ladder. His move from Hollywood to the cockpit has made him one of the most closely watched crossover drivers in American motorsport, and news of the crash spread quickly across entertainment and racing outlets on Wednesday night.

What happens next

With Muniz released from hospital and reporting only soreness, the immediate concern is over, but his racing schedule is now uncertain. Neither his team nor Ford has said when he will return to the car, and no further medical updates have been released. Fans and fellow drivers sent messages of support on social media after the team confirmed he was awake and alert.

The Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic went ahead on Wednesday night without him. For more on the story as it develops, follow the latest updates on Frankie Muniz here.

Read Also:
Anthony Clark Dies at 62: 'Yes, Dear' Star and Stand-Up Comedian Remembered
'Days of Our Lives' Star James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis at 80

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Frankie Muniz at Daytona?

Frankie Muniz crashed during a practice session at Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, while preparing for Ford's Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic. His car hit the tire barrier on the infield road course, and he was taken to a local medical facility for evaluation.

Is Frankie Muniz okay after the Daytona crash?

Yes. Muniz was awake and alert when he was taken to hospital, and he was released the same evening. He said he was "a little sore" but credited his Ford Mustang with protecting him. No specific injuries or diagnosis have been disclosed.

Did Frankie Muniz race in the Veterans Day Classic?

No. The crash forced him to withdraw from the Ford Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic on Wednesday night. He had been scheduled to team up with NASCAR driver Austin Cindric to represent Team Air Force in the six-team benefit exhibition.

What caused Frankie Muniz's crash at Daytona?

The cause of the crash has not been disclosed. Neither Muniz's team, Reaume Brothers Racing, nor Ford has said what caused the incident, and no diagnosis or timeline for his return has been given.

How old is Frankie Muniz and what is he known for?

Muniz is 40. He first became famous as the star of the sitcom "Malcolm in the Middle" (2000–2006) and now races professionally in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Reaume Brothers Racing.

Where did the crash happen?

The crash happened at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, during practice on the track's infield road course, hours before the Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic exhibition race.

Related: Anthony Clark dies at 62 | James Reynolds reveals Parkinson's diagnosis | Ariana Grande's red carpet debut with Ricky Alvarez