Frankie Muniz is feeling “a little sore” after he crashed his car ahead of his Veterans Day race and was rushed to a Florida hospital.
The actor-turned-race car driver, 40, was released from the hospital Wednesday night — hours after he smashed his Mustang into a tire barrier while practicing for Ford Racing’s Proud to Honor event at Daytona International Speedway.
“I am a little sore, but my Mustang did its job in protecting me,” Muniz said in a statement released by his Ford Racing team.
“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.”
The first-of-its-kind event featured six racing teams, each representing a branch of the US military, in support of service members and their families.
“I am disappointed I won’t be able to take part in Ford’s Proud to Honor event tonight,” Muniz shared in the same post.
“I was looking forward to honoring the service of our veterans and racing against these other amazing drivers,” he continued.
The “Malcolm in the Middle” star had been transported to a local medical facility for further evaluation following the crash, a Ford rep earlier told Page Six, confirming that he was “awake and alert.”
Safety crews were forced to cut Muniz out of his Mustang after the crash that happened on the infield road course, according to Motorsport.
He had been the second-fastest driver in practice before the wreck, the outlet reported.
Muniz was set to race alongside NASCAR driver Austin Cindric for Team Air Force, but was replaced by Ford development driver Jenson Altzman.
Before the incident, Muniz told Page Six he was particularly excited to participate because of his family’s military history.
“My dad was in the Air Force and the Navy, and my grandfather was in the Navy,” he said.
“We owe so much to [our veterans], and the fact that I get to race and raise awareness and give back to so many families who have given us Americans everything, I knew I wanted to be a part of it, especially to honor my father and grandfather.”
Muniz even admitted that he once considered following in his family’s footsteps by joining the Air Force.
“I guess there’s still time for that to be my next career!” he joked.
The actor, who shares 5-year-old son Mauz with his estranged wife, Paige Price, has built a career outside Hollywood, pursuing professional racing alongside stints in music and business.
Muniz also credited his “Malcolm in the Middle” co-star Bryan Cranston with introducing him to racing in 2004.
He also said the Emmy winner had “always been so supportive” of his career moves and was expected to attend Wednesday’s event to cheer him on.
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