Frankie Muniz Released From Hospital After Daytona Practice Crash
Actor and racing driver Frankie Muniz has left the hospital after a practice crash at Daytona International Speedway. NASCAR confirmed his release, and he thanked Ford Racing, track staff and hospital workers in a statement, saying his Mustang protected him.
Actor and racing driver Frankie Muniz was released from hospital after crashing during practice at Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR confirmed. He was briefly hospitalized after the accident, which came before Ford's annual Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic.
Muniz, best known for his role in Malcolm in the Middle and an Emmy nominee, was practicing for the exhibition race when the crash happened. Rescue crews reportedly had to cut the top off his vehicle to get him out. He was then taken to a local medical facility.
What Muniz said
Ford Racing published a statement from Muniz the same evening. "I am disappointed I won't be able to take part in Ford's Proud to Honor event tonight," he said. He added that he had been looking forward to "honoring the service of our veterans and racing against these other amazing drivers."
He said he felt "a little sore" but credited his car. "My Mustang did its job in protecting me," Muniz said.
He also thanked those who looked after him. "I want to thank everyone at Ford Racing, Daytona International Speedway, and the staff here at the hospital," he said. "I especially want to thank everyone who has reached out and for all the prayers."
Team statement and replacement driver
Team Reaume, Muniz's team in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, also confirmed the crash. In its statement, the team said he was "involved in an incident while practicing" for the Proud to Honor event at Daytona.
The team said he was taken to a local medical facility for further evaluation and was "awake and alert." It said it would share updates as they became available and asked for privacy on Muniz's behalf.
Muniz had been scheduled to represent the U.S. Air Force alongside Team Penske driver Austin Cindric in the race, according to NASCAR. Jenson Altzman drove in his place instead.
No further details on the cause of the crash or the extent of Muniz's injuries have been released by NASCAR, Ford Racing or his team. Muniz's own account is the latest word on his condition: sore, discharged and grateful to the people who helped him.
