Frankie Muniz Released From Medical Facility After Daytona Crash

Frankie Muniz was released from a local medical facility on Wednesday evening following a crash during a practice session at Daytona International Speedway.

The 40-year-old driver was preparing for the Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic when his vehicle was involved in an incident.

Team Reaume, which fields Muniz in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, confirmed shortly after the crash that the driver was awake and alert, according to an announcement on X. Muniz was slated to compete in the exhibition race alongside co-driver Austin Cindric to represent the U.S. Air Force, NASCAR.com reported.

“I am a little sore, but my Mustang did its job in protecting me,” Muniz said in a statement released through Ford Racing.

“I am disappointed I won't be able to take part in Ford's Proud to Honor event tonight,” Muniz said in a statement released through Ford Racing, noting his disappointment in missing the benefit event, which featured Ford factory drivers racing head-to-head to support military and veteran nonprofits, as detailed by NASCAR.com.

Transition to professional racing

Muniz, known for his lead role in the television series Malcolm in the Middle, has focused on professional racing for much of the last two decades. He began his career in the Formula BMW USA Championship in 2006 before moving to the Champ Car Atlantic Championship, according to his website.

After a hiatus from the track, Muniz returned to full-time racing in 2023 with a season in the ARCA Menards Series, where he recorded 11 top-10 finishes. Over the past two years, he has competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, achieving a career-best 10th-place finish at the 2025 Daytona season opener, NASCAR.com reported.

Frankie Muniz released from hospital after crash at Daytona International Speedway — WESH 2 News

Jenson Altzman replaces Muniz at Veterans Day Classic

The Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic proceeded with Jenson Altzman, a Ford factory development driver, taking the seat in Muniz’s place. The event included musical performances and served as a fundraiser for six military-focused charities, according to Official Site Of NASCAR.

The incident occurred during a practice lap on the speedway’s road course, according to Official Site Of NASCAR.

Frankie Muniz Released From Medical Facility After Daytona Crash
Photo: NASCAR.com

Common questions about the incident

The incident involved Muniz during a practice session for the Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic, and Team Reaume issued a statement regarding his medical status following the crash.

Frankie Muniz began pursuing professional race car driving in 2006 and has competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for the past two seasons. Muniz has participated in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for the past two seasons, according to reporting from both ESPN and NASCAR.com. Before this, he completed a full season in the ARCA Menards Series in 2023.

The Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic is an exhibition race that benefits six nonprofits supporting military and veteran communities. It is an exhibition race featuring Ford drivers split into teams to represent various branches of the U.S. military. The event benefits six nonprofits dedicated to supporting military and veteran communities, according to Official Site Of NASCAR.