Charlize Theron Named Honorary Starter for 60th Daytona 500

Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG winning and Emmy nominated actress Charlize Theron has been named the Honorary Starter for the 60th annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 18 at Daytona International Speedway. Theron will wave the green flag for the Daytona 500, the season-opening race for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.

Theron stars in and produces the upcoming Amazon Studios film “Gringo,” under her production company Denver and Delilah’s banner. The film will be released in theaters nationwide on March 9.

Recent Daytona 500 Honorary Starters include Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee LaDainian Tomlinson; actors Gary Sinise, Angie Harmon, Ashton Kutcher and Whoopi Goldberg; and Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Ken Griffey Jr.

“Charlize Theron is the latest in a long line of accomplished entertainers, athletes, U.S. military members and others to serve as the Honorary Starter for the Daytona 500,” said Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile. “We are thrilled to have her as our guest at “The Great American Race” and we are certain race fans will feel the same way.”