Actor Frankie Muniz hospitalized after race car crash
What's the story
Frankie Muniz, the Malcolm in the Middle star, was hospitalized on Wednesday after he crashed his race car during a practice lap at Daytona International Speedway. The incident occurred during Ford's Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic event, which Bryan Cranston was also scheduled to appear at to support him. Muniz was part of Team Air Force for this event and has been racing since 2006.
Incident details
Muniz was 'awake and alert' after the incident
Muniz's vehicle sustained major damage in the crash, which took place during a practice lap when the track was closed to the public, reported Entertainment Tonight.
Rescuers had to cut off the car's roof to extract him from it.
Despite this, he was reported as being "awake and alert" after the incident.
His NASCAR team, Team Reaume, confirmed that he was taken to a medical facility for evaluation following the crash.
Actor's statement
Muniz released from hospital, expresses disappointment
Muniz was released from the hospital after staying there for a couple of hours and expressed his disappointment over not being able to participate in Ford's Proud to Honor event.
He told Fox Sports, "I am disappointed I won't be able to take part in Ford's Proud to Honor event."
"I am a little sore...but my Mustang did its job in protecting me."
"I want to thank everyone at Ford Racing, Daytona International Speedway...and the staff here at the hospital."
Career transition
Muniz's career in racing and acting
Muniz played Malcolm on the Fox sitcom Malcolm in the Middle from 2000 to 2006, then put his acting career on hold in 2008 to pursue racing.
He started with the Atlantic Championship before moving to stock car racing and joined Rette Jones Racing in 2023.
Meanwhile, Jenson Altzman replaced Muniz for the race.