Cole Trickle is in the house!

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Welcome to Daytona International Speedway, home to the "World Center of Racing," for the 51st presentation of the Daytona 500. Although there were forecasts that predicted at least a 70 percent chance of rain, the sun seems to be poking its way through the clouds.

The stars, those of the Hollywood variety, are shining as well at Daytona.

Just spottedTom Cruise, who has returned to the scene of the crime called "Days of Action," which he filmed here with his ex-wife, Nicole Kidman.

Interestingly, when Cruise was introduced to the crowd as the honorary pace car driver, the Hollywood hunk walked across a stage that was adjacent to a concert stage set up for a pre-race concert by Kidman's current husband, Keith Urban.

Funny thing, there seemed to be more women swooning over the sight of Urban than there were Cruise, who stopped to sign a few autographs for behind-the-rope gawkers before he was whisked away by security.

We're looking good for a green-flag start at 3:30 p.m.