Petty to serve as honorary starter for Daytona 500

Daytona International Speedway officials say seven-time Daytona 500 champion Richard Petty will serve as honorary starter for the 50th running of the historic race on Feb. 17.

Petty will wave the green flag to start the race at 3:30 p.m. EST.

"We are so honored and proud to have Richard Petty drop the green flag to get the most anticipated event in racing history underway," Daytona President Robin Braig said. "Richard and the Daytona 500 are synonymous with NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race, and we're thrilled to have him get the 50th spectacle under way."