Daytona 500: Bart Simpson set for starring NASCAR role at Great American Race

NASCAR has confirmed that Bart Simpson is set for a starring role in Sunday's Daytona 500...yes, the one from The Simpsons!

The rebellious but beloved cartoon icon has been named as the honorary starter for the 68th edition of The Great American Race, set to wave the green flag that gets the 500-mile action underway at 2:13pm ET.

Bart's appearance at Daytona International Speedway comes ahead of The Simpsons' 800th episode, which is set to air Sunday night on FOX.

Bart Simpson named Daytona 500 honorary starter

Speaking in an official statement, Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway, said: “It’s an honor to have Bart Simpson, an American icon of pop culture, serve as our honorary starter for the 68th running of the Daytona 500.

“Bart’s historic run of pranks and mischief on FOX for over 30 years has provided laughs for all ages.

"There’s no doubt that he’s going to have an absolute blast waving the green flag for The Great American Race.”

Bart joins an array of celebrities to have had the honor over the years, with the likes of President George H. W. Bush, John Cena, and Whoopi Goldberg having all waved the race green in the past, along with NASCAR legends such as Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Which other famous stars will be at Daytona 500?

Bart is part of a star-studded lineup at Sunday's Daytona 500, with three-time GRAMMY-award-winning music star Miranda Lambert set to perform pre-race and kick off proceedings.

The US Air Force Thunderbirds will then perform their traditional flyover in the Florida skies, followed by comedian Nate Bargatze giving the Cup Series drivers the command to start their engines.

Later, actor Kurt Russell will lead the field to the green flag in the pace car, which will, of course, be waved by Bart.

The Simpsons celebrate 800th episode

Having first aired in 1989, The Simpsons celebrates its 800th episode, "Irrational Treasure", on Sunday night.

According to NASCAR's press release, the episode sees Marge try to get their family dog, Santa's Little Helper, in better shape by entering him into canine agility competitions, which leads to a trip to the National Dog Show. Once there, Marge and Homer find themselves and their dog mixed up in a historical conspiracy adventure.

The Guest Voice Cast for the episode includes Quinta Brunson, Noah Wylie, Katherine LaNasa, Taylor Dearden, Questlove, Kevin Bacon and Boyz II Men.

The 801st episode will follow immediately after and is titled "Homer? A Cracker Bro?"

In that episode, Homer strikes up an unlikely friendship with Kirk Van Houten, which leads to them launching a hugely successful business venture together - a crumbless cracker that sweeps the nation.

Both episodes are set to air on FOX at 8pm ET on Sunday, February 15.

DAYTONA 500: Has The Great American Race lost its prestige? NASCAR stars have their say