'Malcolm In The Middle' Star Frankie Muniz Hospitalized After Daytona Crash

Actor-turned-NASCAR driver Frankie Muniz was hospitalized Wednesday after crashing during a practice session at Daytona International Speedway ahead of a special Veterans Day exhibition race.

Muniz, 40, best known for his starring role in the hit television sitcom "Malcolm in the Middle," was transported to a local medical facility for evaluation following the Nov. 11 crash.

His racing team confirmed he was awake and alert, although the extent of his injuries has not been disclosed.

"Frankie Muniz was involved in an incident while practicing for today's Proud to Honor event at Daytona International Speedway," Team Reaume said in a statement shared by NASCAR. "He was taken to a local medical facility for further evaluation and 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."

According to FOX 35 Orlando, emergency crews reportedly had to cut away the roof of Muniz's race car to remove him following the crash.

Photographs circulating after the incident showed extensive damage to the vehicle.

The circumstances surrounding the crash have not been publicly detailed.

Muniz had been preparing to compete in Ford's Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic, a special exhibition race featuring 12 drivers from various motorsports disciplines competing in Ford Mustang race cars to recognize the six branches of the U.S. military.

The event was scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, with Muniz set to represent Team Air Force alongside NASCAR Cup Series driver and former Daytona 500 winner Austin Cindric.

However, Muniz will no longer participate in the race following the accident, according to People.

Entertainment Tonight, which had been at the speedway to interview Muniz, reported that the crash occurred while the facility was closed to the public.

The entertainment outlet also reported that Bryan Cranston, who portrayed Muniz's father on "Malcolm in the Middle," had been expected to attend Wednesday's event to support his former co-star.

It was not immediately clear whether Muniz would be released from the hospital in time to attend the race as a spectator.

The accident comes as Muniz continues his transition from Hollywood actor to professional race car driver, a career change he has pursued for nearly two decades.

Muniz began racing professionally in 2006 before eventually competing in the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

He completed a full ARCA Menards Series season in 2023, recording 11 top-10 finishes, according to NASCAR.

More recently, Muniz has driven the No. 33 Ford for Team Reaume in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His best career finish in the series came during the 2025 season opener at Daytona, where he finished 10th.

Wednesday's crash is not Muniz's first racing accident.

He was also involved in a serious crash in 2009 that left him with multiple injuries, including a fractured vertebra, broken ribs and a broken ankle, according to TV Insider.

As of Wednesday afternoon, neither Ford Racing nor Team Reaume had released additional details about Muniz's condition or the cause of the crash.

The Veterans Day Classic remained scheduled to proceed Wednesday evening at Daytona International Speedway.

This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available.