Photo : Frederic GAUDIN / ACO

 

Visiting in 2011 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Mazda's win, his partner marque at the time, Patrick Dempsey had announced his return to compete in La Sarthe in 2012. In the end, it was 2013 that the actor would return, this time with a totally different mindset from 2009. Back then, his availability to fans and media alike had impressed everyone but four years later, Dempsey wanted to stay focused on the race, even though a film crew was documenting his every move for the Discovery Channel. It's an attitude that reminds one of a certain Paul Newman in 1979, who, despite massive media pressure during the race week, the star had stayed concentrated on being a driver. This focus was rewarded with a second place finish in a Porsche 935 shared with Rolf Stommelen and Dick Barbour.

It's also with a Porsche (LM GTE Am) that Patrick Dempsey made his comeback to the 24 Hours this year. He stacked the advantage in his favour by partnering with big names such as Proton Competition (official Porsche team for the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2012) and driver Patrick Long, factory Porsche driver. In the middle fo the night during the 24 Hours, Long was in the lead when he handed the car to the actor. In the end, the team would finish fourth in class thanks to consistent driving from both Patricks and Joe Foster. For now, the "Grey's Anatomy" star has a perfect finishing record at the 24 Hours, with two finishes in two participations. And this probably wasn't his last...

Jean-Philippe Doret / ACO - Translated by Rainier Ehrhardt / ACO

Photo : LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, TUESDAY, JUNE 18,  JUIN 2013, DRIVERS AUTOGRAPH SESSION. Patrick Dempsey's pit stall (left, with teammates  Joe Foster and Patrick Long) was of course one of the busiest during the traditional autograph session !