Owen Wilson to serve as Grand Marshal for Daytona 500

Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Lighting McQueen himself Owen Wilson is set to serve as Grand Marshal for the upcoming 59th annual Daytona 500.

"Owen Wilson is one of America's most beloved comedic actors and his voice has brought Lightning McQueen to life for millions of movie-goers over the last 10 years," said Daytona International Speedway president Chip Wile in a statement.

"His star power, and of course his personality, are perfect fits for 'The Great American Race,' " he continued.

Wilson will be delivering the NASCAR race's signature "Drivers, start your engines" line and will ride inside one of the Grand Marshal cars during pace laps prior to the green flag of the 200-lap, 500-mile race.

The actor joins a long list of fellow celebrities who have acted as Grand Marshal following in the footsteps of Vince Vaughn, Ben Affleck, Matthew McConaughey and more.

Wilson's participation coincides with the upcoming release of Disney and Pixar's Cars 3, which features the 48-year-old return as Lighting McQueen. The film opens in theaters June 16.

The Daytona 500 airs Feb. 26 on Fox.