Actor Hemsworth to wave Indy 500 green flag

The Ron Howard-produced Rush centered on the epic 1976 Formula 1 season and the epic but respectful rivalry between Hunt and Niki Lauda, the politicking of McLaren and Ferrari, and Lauda’s comeback from the life-threatening Nurburgring shunt.

However, Melbourne, Australian-born Hemsworth is best known for his roles as Thor from the Marvel franchise.

He is linked to the Indy 500 by virtue of his TAG Heuer ambassadorial role, with the watchmaker a sponsor of the race and the IndyCar series.

"I am very excited for the Indy 500 this year," he said. "As a TAG Heuer ambassador and motorsport fan, it's an incredible honour to wave the green flag. 

“It is going to be an exciting moment, and I am happy to be here with TAG Heuer."

Doug Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president, added: "The Indianapolis 500 is the greatest race in the world and the largest single-day sporting event on the planet, so it's fitting we will have a globally recognized and applauded figure in the flag stand. 

"Chris is a true sporting fan who is going to embrace the IMS experience and enjoy seeing 33 cars race down the front stretch at our iconic facility."

Hemsworth continues a recent trend of actors waving the green flag at the race, following on from sometime World Endurance Championship driver Patrick Dempsey, Chris Pine and Jake Gyllenhaal.