James Franco doesn’t think Danica Patrick is a driver

James Franco had one job. As the designated dude that gives the instruction for Daytona 500 drivers to start their engines, all he had to do was say a few words. The phrase is simple: “gentlemen, start your engines.” And it needed to be tweaked a bit because Danica Patrick, who earned the pole position, is not a gentleman.

Except, you know, Franco botched it. He probably meant to say, “Gentlemen, and Danica, start your engines.” It didn’t come out right, though, and Franco implied Danica isn’t even a driver. Watch:

So that’s Franco blurting out, “Drivers, and Danica, start your engines.” And that’s definitely not the correct phrase -- you see, it implies she isn’t a driver or can’t drive.

We’ll chalk this up to a brain fart, but that sure didn’t look great on national television. The Daytona 500: not off to such a great start.

• Daytona Nationwide race ends with scary wreck

• Full coverage of 2013 Daytona 500

• The List: 20 sentences guaranteed to start an Internet argument

• Full coverage of UFC 157: Rousey vs. Carmouche

• NFL Combine: Fat linemen running the 40 will inspire you

• Stupid things said at the NFL Combine