Actor and race car driver Frankie Muniz was hospitalized Wednesday after a crash during a practice lap at Daytona International Speedway, according to his racing team. Team Reaume said the 40-year-old “Malcolm in the Middle” star was “awake and alert,” The Associated Press reported in a story published by Sportsnet.

Muniz was preparing for the Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic, a benefit event scheduled for Wednesday night on Daytona’s road course. The supplied report did not detail his injuries or the circumstances of the crash.

“We’ll share updates as they become available,” Team Reaume said in a post on X. The team also thanked followers for “respecting Frankie’s privacy at this time.”

Muniz and NASCAR driver Austin Cindric had been scheduled to represent Team Air Force in the exhibition. According to a NASCAR release cited by AP, the race benefits six nonprofit organizations supporting military and veteran communities through the Proud to Honor Fund.

The event’s format divided a dozen Ford Racing drivers into six teams, each honouring a branch of the U.S. military. Drivers were to compete head-to-head in Mustang Dark Horse cars. Musical performances were also part of the program, with Zac Brown Band, Russell Dickerson, Jo Dee Messina, Brittney Spencer and Warren Zeiders on the lineup.

Muniz became widely known as a child actor through “Malcolm in the Middle,” earning an Emmy nomination for his work on the series. His film credits include “Big Fat Liar,” “Deuces Wild,” “Agent Cody Banks” and “Racing Stripes.”

According to his website, cited in the AP report, Muniz stepped away from entertainment in 2006 to pursue professional racing. He began in the Formula BMW USA Championship before competing in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship from 2007 to 2009.

His website says he was fourth in the 2009 championship standings with two races remaining when a season-ending injury led to multiple surgeries. He later moved into NASCAR competition.

Sources