Frankie Muniz 'grateful to be walking' after scary crash at Daytona - USA Today
Emmy-nominated actor and NASCAR driver Frankie Muniz took to social media on Thursday, Nov. 12 to share an update with fans after he was briefly hospitalized Wednesday following a crash during practice at Daytona International Speedway.
Muniz was set to race in Ford’s inaugural “Proud To Honor Veterans Day Classic,” an exhibition on Daytona’s road course featuring 12 drivers piloting Mustang Dark Horse Rs, a car that was designed for International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) competitions. The drivers were paired into six teams, each representing a branch of the military.
During a practice session on Wednesday, Muniz crashed while driving the car for Team Air Force. Images of his car showed that the roof had been cut off. Muniz’s teammate, NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Cindric, went on to win the race.
Muniz shared Thursday in a video, sporting a Ford Racing hat, that he has “no major injuries.”
“I’m sure a lot of you saw I was involved in a pretty bad wreck yesterday at Daytona International Speedway,” Muniz said. “I first of all, want to say I’m doing OK. I’m extremely sore, but fortunately no major injuries. I’m not 100% sure how that’s the case, but that’s just a testament to how well built the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R cars are and the safety.”
Muniz thanked Ford for the opportunity and apologized for the wreck, adding that he was “really looking forward to” representing the Air Force and putting on a show for the military.
“I’m grateful to be walking right now,” Muniz said. “Forever grateful for all of you reaching out and to the safety team. It was tough getting me out of the car. We had to cut the roof out, but got me out safely. … All is well. Recovering now. I’ll be back on the track soon.”
Before putting on a firesuit and getting behind the wheel of a NASCAR truck, Muniz was a young star in Hollywood and an Emmy-nominated actor for his work on “Malcolm in the Middle.” He also starred in films such as “Agent Cody Banks,” “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story,” and “The Black String.”
Muniz’s “Malcolm in the Middle” co-star — Emmy winner and Oscar nominee Bryan Cranston — attended the race and spoke with reporters.
“He’s fine, I’ve spoken to him. … You know, it’s a risky business. I’m looking at it from a sense of paternal love, because playing his father for seven years and loving the kid as I do — well, he’s 40, but he’s my kid, and I love him,” Cranston told Entertainment Tonight. “When I watch him race, I’m a little nervous, I’m a little apprehensive.”
Muniz began stockcar racing in 2023 at the lower-level ARCA Series. Last year, he began driving full-time in the Truck Series for Team Reaume in the No. 33 Ford. Over the past two seasons, he has nine top-20 finishes, including a best of 10th at Daytona in 2025.
Earlier this year, Muniz and Tyler Stone were the drivers for the championship-winning team in the Am Class of the GT4 America Series, a sport-car racing circuit where Muniz piloted the TechSport Racing Ford Mustang.
Muniz is expected to continue racing in both NASCAR’s Truck Series and the GT4 America Series in 2027.
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. Our editorial recommendations are made independently of that compensation.
