Frankie Muniz Released From Hospital After Daytona Crash: “A Little Sore” but OK
Frankie Muniz Released From Hospital After Daytona Crash: “A Little Sore” but OK
Frankie Muniz, 40, has been released from a Florida hospital after crashing during practice at Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday, telling fans he is “a little sore” but crediting his race car with protecting him.
Muniz, the Malcolm in the Middle star turned NASCAR driver, lost control of his No. 30 Ford Mustang Dark Horse R during the lone practice session for the Ford Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic at the Daytona road course. He was transported to a local medical facility for further evaluation. Ford Racing said in a statement that he was “awake and alert.”
Released the same evening
Muniz was released from the hospital around 8 p.m. ET, just hours after the crash, and issued a statement through Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass.
“I am disappointed I won’t be able to take part in Ford’s Proud to Honor event tonight,” Muniz said. “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. I especially want to thank everyone who has reached out and for all the prayers.”
He will not compete in Wednesday night’s race. Jenson Altzman will fill the seat in his place. Ford Racing reviewed the car’s data after the incident and found no malfunction, according to Racing News. The exact cause of the crash has not been disclosed.
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Why this matters
The crash was a scare for a driver who has rebuilt his career in motorsport after childhood fame. Muniz, the newly crowned GT4 America Am champion, was set to race in the Veterans Day Classic, an event honoring military service members. His quick release — and his own message that the car protected him — is the best possible outcome from a heavy practice crash, and a reminder of how far modern race-car safety has come. Photos from the scene showed his Mustang heavily damaged, with a caved-in roof.
Muniz’s crash came in a busy week for American sports, with the NFL trade deadline passing earlier in the week and Merab Dvalishvili’s brawl with Usman Nurmagomedov making headlines in Abu Dhabi.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Frankie Muniz at Daytona?
He crashed his No. 30 Ford Mustang Dark Horse R during a practice session for the Ford Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic at Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday, November 11, and was taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Is Frankie Muniz OK after the crash?
Yes. He was awake and alert after the crash and was released from the hospital the same evening, saying he is “a little sore” but otherwise fine.
Will Frankie Muniz race in the Veterans Day Classic?
No. He will miss the event, and Jenson Altzman will drive in his place.
What caused the crash?
The cause has not been disclosed. Ford Racing reviewed the car’s data and found no malfunction at the time of the crash.
Muniz is expected to recover at home, and his team has not announced when he will return to racing.
Sources: Ford Racing, Fox Sports (Bob Pockrass), The Racing Experts, Heavy, Bleacher Report, Racing News, Parade, Jayski.
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