Affleck named Daytona 500 grand marshal

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Ben Affleck will be the grand marshal at the upcoming Daytona 500.

By accepting Daytona International Speedway's invitation, the actor and NASCAR fan will begin the Feb. 15 race with the traditional command to the 43-car field: "Gentlemen, start your engines."

"He will fit in perfectly with the great American race," Speedway spokesman David Talley said Tuesday.

Affleck could not be reached for comment Tuesday because he was in New York touting his new movie, "Paycheck," scheduled to open Christmas Day.

"He is delighted," Affleck spokesman Ken Sunshine said.

Affleck is the second movie star in a row to handle grand marshal duties at the world-famous race. John Travolta started last year's Daytona 500.

Affleck has appeared in more than 40 movies. In 1998, he and Matt Damon won an Academy Award for their "Good Will Hunting" screenplay.