Jon Jones named 'Honorary Race Official' for NASCAR's 54th annual Daytona 500

Gentlemen, start your engines.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones has been named the "Honorary Race Official" for the 54th annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway.

If watching 43 cars drive in a circle for two hours is your cup of tea, tune into FOX this Sunday (Feb. 26, 2012) at 1 p.m. ET.

From today's release:

"Jon ‘Bones' Jones is a huge star in mixed martial arts," Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. "We are excited to welcome him to the ‘World Center of Racing' and have him be a part of the pre-race ceremonies for NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race."

"I am thrilled to be able to serve as Honorary Race Official at this year's Daytona 500, NASCAR's premier event," Jones said. "Like the UFC, NASCAR has a passionate and knowledgeable fan base, and I am honored that I will get to share this experience with them."

Following his days of thunder, Jones will defend his 205-pound title against bitter rival "Suga" Rashad Evans in the main event of UFC 145, scheduled for April 21, 2012, at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

More on their epic grudge match right here.