Official Indy 500 starter Paul Blevin, Honorary Starter Mitch Daniels and IMS CEO Jeff Belskus (WIBC.com photo: Reed Parker)

Governor Mitch Daniels will serve as honorary starter of the 96th running of the Indianapolis 500.

Daniels says he was called by IMS CEO Jeff Belskus to ask if he would like the honor.  "I really caught my breath first and I literally started to say, 'Awww..... Jeff you want to get somebody else. There's got to be a better idea but then I thought no, that's a nice offer and besides, what kid that grew up in Indiana didn't fantasize about being able to see the start from that vantage point?"

Daniels says he's excited for the honor.  "You know somebody told me that Reggie Miller got to do it one time and said that nothing that happened to him in the NBA was any more thrilling than that and I'm sure I'll have the same sensation."

Daniels says he will practice to be ready for Sunday.