Iron Chef Mark Dacascos Turns Laps at Phoenix

Actor Mark Dacascos, who portrays “the Chairman” on Food Network’s popular Iron Chef America television series, visited Phoenix International Raceway on September 1 and turned laps on PIR’s new racing surface in a Chevy Camaro pace car. A high-resolution photo of Dacascos, who also stars on CBS-TV’s Hawaii Five-0, is attached for immediate release.

“This is the best video game in the world,” Dacascos said after completing several laps at speeds that exceeded 100 miles per hour. “Now I get it!”

In February, Phoenix International Raceway announced details related to the 47-year old NASCAR facility’s first major track paving project since 1990. Construction began in March with the removal of the facility’s former racing surface and the subsequent installation of a new surface, with a series of changes implemented to promote side-by-side racing. While maintaining the integrity of PIR’s oval – including the 1-mile distance – the slight configuration changes have produced a racier track with average speeds that are expected to increase two to three miles per hour.

Phoenix Raceway PR