LOS ANGELES: Actor Ben Affleck got the loudest ovation among the celebrities who attended the Daytona 500, but he also got some bad news. “They told me I was going to be bumped, and I was like ‘bumped? What are you talking about bumped? Who’s bumping me?’” said Affleck, who drove the pace car. “‘The President of the United States.’ OK, terrific. Guess I’m bumped then.’”

Affleck served as the grand marshal even though some of his duties were given to President Bush. Whoopi Goldberg was an honorary starter, and LeAnn Rimes sang the national anthem and was the featured performer in the pre-race ‘Tribute to America’ show.