DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Tom Cruise may be one of the most famous movie stars in the world, but even he can't outshine Tim Tebow.

The University of Florida quarterback and 2007 Heisman Trophy winner received a loud ovation while being introduced during the driver's meeting a couple of hours before the Daytona 500.

Tebow, his right arm minus the sling he wore following shoulder surgery last month, stood up and made a quick wave to the crowded hall before returning to his seat next to current South Carolina and former Florida coach Steve Spurrier.

Cruise was among a handful of celebrities — including Academy Award winning actor Gene Hackman and singer Gavin DeGraw — and officials like Florida Gov. Charlie Crist who mingled with NASCAR's big wigs before the season-opening race.

New York Jets coach Rex Ryan and Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Joey Galloway were also in attendance; Miami Dolphins coach Tony Sparano's seat was vacant.

The biggest cheers, however, were reserved Raymond Parks, considered "The Godfather of NASCAR." Parks was the first real car owner for the fledgling series in late-1940s, winning the Modified Series championship in 1948 and the Strictly Stock (now Cup) series in 1949 with driver Red Byron.

URBAN COWBOY: Country music star Keith Urban performed a surprise two-song set for reporters to kickoff his day at the Daytona 500, where he was the featured artist for Sunday's pre-race concert.

"First time playing a press room," he quipped before launching into "Sister Golden Hair" by America.

It was the first press room concert performed by any of the musical acts that Daytona International Speedway officials have brought before the media. Urban said he wasn't trying to one-up previous music guests Big & Rich, Bon Jovi or Brooks & Dunn, but played because "I just wanted to get in my comfort zone."

Urban took brief questions from the gathered media, and laughed awkwardly when asked what his favorite racing movie is.

"Uhhhhh ... Cars?" he stammered, refusing to name NASCAR obvious "Days of Thunder" that featured wife Nicole Kidman and her ex-husband, Tom Cruise.

He also joked about how fast he's ever driven in his personal car. He at first deadpanned he'd never gone over 65 mph, before coming clean.

"Maybe 130, that was about it," he said. "It was pretty insane. It was only for a glimpse."

THE KING'S TALE: Fans of NASCAR legend Richard Petty can listen to tales from The King thanks to a new audiobook featuring some of NASCAR's legendary figures.

The seven-time NASCAR series and Daytona 500 champion is touting the first-ever audiobook about the history of the sport he helped make famous. The four-hour, four-disc series "Richard Petty's Audio Scrapbook" is being released to coincide with the 25th anniversary of Petty's 200th career win.

Petty is joined by several of his contemporaries, including racing announcer Barney Hall, former crew chief Dale Inman and drivers Junior Johnson, David Pearson and Bobby Allison.

The audiobooks features a look back at not just Petty's career but also the evolution of NASCAR from its southern dirt track roots to a nationwide sport.

THROWING IN THE TOWEL: Old Spice has been coming up with ways to make men smell good for years. But here's one scent the company probably didn't have in mind when it decided to sponsor Tony Stewart: sweat and champagne.

Every time Stewart wins a Sprint Cup or Nationwide race this year, the towel Stewart uses to clean himself up in Victory Lane will be auctioned off for charity.

Maybe they could call it "victory."

The first towel will go up for bids Monday, with proceeds to benefit the Tony Stewart Foundation. The non-profit donates money to various charities and has given out almost $4 million to more than 130 organizations throughout the United States.

AP Auto Racing writer Jenna Fryer and AP Sports Writer Mark Long contributed to this report.