Tough Act To Follow: Charlize Theron To Start Daytona 500

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Academy Award winner Charlize Theron has been 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.

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 perform the national anthem.
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