Film and TV actor Michael Pena, who has a leading role in the upcoming animated film “Turbo,” has been named the honorary starter of the 97th Indianapolis 500, according to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s website.
2013 Indianapolis 500: Actor Michael Pena named honorary starter
Actor Michael Pena, who has a leading role in the upcoming animated film “Turbo,” will be the honorary starter of the 97th Indy 500.
Pena will be waving the green flag for the 33 racers in The Greatest Spectacle in Racing on May 26. In “Turbo” he plays the voice of Tito, an entrepreneur who enters a fast snail into the race. The film is set to be released in theaters everywhere on July 17. It also stars Ryan Reynolds, who voices Turbo, Paul Giomatti, Bill Hader, Snoop Dogg and Samuel L. Jackson.
“The anticipation surrounding the national release of ‘Turbo’ continues to grow, and that excitement will build even more when Michael Pena waves the green flag to start the 97th Indianapolis 500,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief executive officer. “Michael will understand first-hand why all roads lead to Indy on Memorial Day weekend and why Turbo dreamed of competing in the world’s greatest race.”
If you don’t recognize Pena’s name, he starred in movies including “Million Dollar Baby,” “Gangster Squad,” “Crash” and “The Lincoln Lawyer.” He is probably best known for playing Detective Armando Renta on the FX series “The Shield.”
The race begins at noon on May 26.
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