Racing is the main focus of Patrick Dempsey‘s life at the moment and that seems to suit him just fine. While he was racing in the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the second leg of the FIA World Endurance Championship, his alter ego Derek Shepherd, the doctor in the world-famous American series “Grey’s Anatomy” was on his death bed. On social media, the news spread like wildfire. As the women of the world mourned, Dempsey was the centre of attention in the Spa-Francorchamps paddock but, imperturbable, hefinished fifth in LM GTE Am in his Porsche 911 ASR along with teammates Patrick Long and Marco Seefried.

Dempsey’s insurance policy forbids him from driving an open cockpit, which means he is unlikely ever to drive a single-seater. But there was no stopping him watching the world’s oldest track race on Sunday 24 May. He was guest of honour at the 99th edition of the Indianapolis 500 Miles and proudly waved the green flag as the 33 competitors got the race under way. The second oldest track race is of course the Le Mans 24 Hours. Patrick Dempsey has finished the French race at each of his three attempts so far—with a Ferrari F430 in 2009 and in a Porsche 911 in 2013 and 2014. For his fourth Le Mans, he is aiming for the podium in LM GTE Am. It is well within his reach.

Jean-Philippe Doret / ACO Translated from French by Emma Paulay

Photo: CHRIS JONES - INDYCAR
Photo: INDIANAPOLIS (INDIANA, USA), INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, INDIANAPOLIS 500 MILES, SUNDAY 24 MAY 2015, START. Before travelling to France for the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2015, Patrick Dempsey was honorary starter of the Indianapolis 500.