Charlize Theron to start Daytona 500

February 13, 2018 at 12:00a.m.

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA.

Academy Award winner Charlize Theron was named honorary starter for the 60th running of the Daytona 500.

The actress will wave the green flag for the season-opening race Sunday in NASCAR’s Monster Energy Cup Series.

Theron, who won an Oscar and a Golden Globe for best actress in 2003 for her portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wournos in “Monster,” stars in and produces the upcoming film “Gringo.” The movie will be released nationwide next month.

Other pre-race celebrities scheduled for the 2018 Daytona 500: Retired NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Jr. will serve as grand marshal; country group Rascal Flatts will perform the pre-race concert; and Navy Band Southeast will sing the national anthem.

The celebrity pace-car driver is expected to be announced Tuesday.

Staff/Wire Report