Actor-turned-racing driver Frankie Muniz has revealed that emergency crews had to cut the roof off his race car to free him after a serious crash during practice at Daytona International Speedway in Florida. The 40-year-old says he is extremely sore but escaped without major injuries and is now recovering.

Muniz shared the update in a video posted on Thursday, November 12, a day after the incident. “It was tough getting me out of the car. We had to cut the roof off, but they got me out safely, got me to the hospital, and all is well,” he said, adding that he hopes to return to racing soon. His comments were reported by People and USA Today.

Exterior facade of Daytona International Speedway in Florida.
Daytona International Speedway in Florida, photographed in May 2026. Photo: Knowingrazor7 / Wikimedia Commons, CC0. Illustrative venue photograph; not an image of Muniz’s crash.

Muniz Says He Is Grateful To Be Walking

In his video message, Muniz said he was “extremely sore” but had no major injuries. He credited the construction and safety features of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R he was driving, saying he was not entirely sure how he had avoided more serious harm.

“I can honestly say that I’m grateful to be walking right now,” he said, thanking the safety team, Ford, Daytona International Speedway and the medical staff who treated him. He also expressed appreciation to fans and others who had sent messages and prayers following news of the crash.

Muniz was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center for evaluation after the accident. He was awake and alert and was released from the medical facility later on Wednesday, according to NASCAR’s report. His latest update indicated that he was heading home to Phoenix to recover.

Crash Happened During Veterans Day Event Practice

The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 11, while Muniz was practising for Ford’s Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic at Daytona International Speedway. He had been scheduled to take part in the exhibition race, which brought together drivers representing branches of the US military and supported six nonprofit organisations serving military personnel and veterans.

Muniz was due to partner with Team Penske driver Austin Cindric and represent the US Air Force. Following the crash, Ford development driver Jenson Altzman took his place. Cindric went on to compete in the event, according to NASCAR and the Associated Press.

Muniz said he was disappointed to miss the opportunity, explaining that he had been looking forward to honouring military members and competing alongside drivers he admired. In his written statement after being released from hospital, he said his Mustang had done its job in protecting him.

From Malcolm In The Middle To Professional Racing

Muniz became internationally known for playing the title character in the television sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. In recent years, he has pursued professional motorsport alongside his entertainment career, competing in stock-car racing and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

He has driven for Reaume Brothers Racing in the Truck Series and has also competed in the ARCA Menards Series and sports-car racing. NASCAR noted that his best Truck Series finish to date was 10th, achieved at Daytona in 2025. The Associated Press reported that he has made more than 100 starts in the Truck Series over the past three years.

His move from television to racing has made him a familiar figure to fans in both entertainment and motorsport. The Daytona crash has consequently drawn attention beyond the racing community, with supporters following updates on his condition and his plans to return.

Muniz Wants To Return To The Track

Despite the frightening extraction and hospital visit, Muniz ended his message on an optimistic note. He said he was recovering and expected to be back at the track soon, although he did not give a specific date for his return.

For now, the immediate focus is his recovery. The incident also highlights the role of safety engineering and trackside emergency crews in motorsport, where rapid medical response and the ability to remove a driver safely from a damaged vehicle can be critical.

No confirmed explanation for the cause of the crash was included in Muniz’s public update. The available reports establish that the accident happened during practice and that he was freed after rescuers cut away the roof, but they do not establish why the car left the course.

Sources And Further Reading