Frankie Muniz says he is “a little sore” after a practice crash at Daytona International Speedway sent him to a Florida hospital and ruled him out of a veterans benefit race.

The actor and racing driver addressed the crash in a statement to The Associated Press, reported by Global News. Muniz said the car he was driving had done its job to protect him.

“I am disappointed I won’t be able to take part in Ford’s Proud to Honor event tonight,” he said. “I was looking forward to honoring the service of our veterans and racing against these other amazing drivers.”

Muniz had been practising on Daytona’s road course for the Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic, which was scheduled for Wednesday night. A Ford Racing spokesperson told People after the crash that he had been taken to a local medical facility for further evaluation and was awake and alert.

In his statement, Muniz thanked Ford Racing, speedway personnel and hospital staff, along with those who had contacted him or offered prayers.

According to a NASCAR release cited by Global News, Muniz and NASCAR driver Austin Cindric were scheduled to represent Team Air Force. The exhibition paired a dozen Ford Racing drivers into six teams, each honouring a branch of the U.S. military, for head-to-head competition in Mustang Dark Horse cars.

The event was organized to benefit six nonprofits supporting military and veteran communities through the Proud to Honor Fund. Musical performances were also part of the program.

Best known for starring in Malcolm in the Middle, Muniz stepped away from entertainment in 2006 to pursue professional racing. He competed in Formula BMW USA before racing in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship from 2007 to 2009, Global News reported.

His latest statement provides a personal update after the initial account of his hospitalization.

Sources