John Cena hitting NASCAR circuit for Daytona 500

Fighter-turned-actor John Cena is swapping the wrestling ring for the NASCAR circuit to serve as the honorary pace car driver at the Daytona 500.

The Trainwreck star will return to the annual event in Florida on 21 February (16), four years after he last took on the role (12).

"John Cena is one of the most iconic WWE Superstars in history, a great actor and philanthropist," Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III states. "We welcome him back to the World Center of Racing and our new motorsports stadium, this time to pace the field for The Great American Race."

The race will take place weeks after Cena underwent surgery to treat a shoulder injury, six months after breaking his nose during a WWE championship bout last July (15).