The sports activities in which movie and TV stars typically take part usually involve relaxed settings: soirees in suites, or tours of locker rooms. Such is not the case for Patrick Dempsey, star of ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy.” His major interaction with sports is through Dempsey Racing, which competes in endurance motorsports competitions in IMSA and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, among others. Dempsey, who founded his Porsche-backed team in 2006, offers a glimpse into his racing pursuits.
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I just try to focus on the task that’s in front of me and try not to think about the past or the present. Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn’t.”
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Photo by: RICHARD DOLE / LAT USA
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On being an actor, a driver and an owner: Balancing family, career and racing: It’s a little bit more than what many other drivers have to contend with. Certainly the guys have to worry about going fast, and they’re on the road a lot. It’s challenging for the families and is a big ask constantly. But for me, it is a tremendous challenge.
On the challenges of ownership: It’s very challenging. It’s very hard to sell a program. Sports car racing, certainly in America, is in a transition period, so what is deliverable for your sponsor? Chasing the money is a constant thing for everyone in this sport. Even if you have unlimited funds, it’s still not enough sometimes. That’s exhausting, and to have to wear that hat and to be constantly chasing that and having to take care of the responsibilities toward your sponsors and then getting into the car — it’s a lot.
On spending more time as a driver: My relationship with Porsche and my team has made it much easier, and it takes the pressure off that they can deal with the business side and I can focus on the driving.
On what the future might hold: I think I’m more passionate than ever; I think the challenge is greater than ever; I think the opportunities that are there in front of me right now are the best I’ve ever had in my career. … I’m really excited about the support of Porsche, and our relationship on a personal level is very warm. There’s so much passion for the brand and its history and being competitive and what it takes to be competitive that it’s inspiring to me. And their case to develop me as a driver: It’s not just a marketing ploy. They want me to develop as a driver because that’s what Porsche is all about; its history is racing. To be a part of that is perfect.
