Patrick Dempsey Faces High-Speed Challenges in His Return to Racing: ‘I Forgot This Side of My Nature’ (Exclusive)
Patrick Dempsey is making a thrilling return to race car driving, and fans will get a front-row seat to his journey in the new Fox Sports and NASCAR Studios documentary Destined to Drive: Patrick Dempsey’s Return to Racing. Premiering on March 16, the documentary captures his comeback after nearly a decade away from the sport.
In an exclusive first look at the trailer, Dempsey, 59, shares his excitement: “It’s good to be back.” A broadcaster’s voice echoes the significance of his return: “After nine years away, Patrick Dempsey is returning to racing, and all eyes are on him.”
Determined to compete at the highest level, the Grey’s Anatomy star declares, “I want to win.”
Dempsey admits that stepping back onto the track brought back feelings he had long forgotten. “I forgot how much I missed it,” he says in the trailer. “I forgot this side of my nature.”
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Dempsey expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return. “I am so thankful for this opportunity—not just to be back behind the wheel, but to do it with the right team and my friend, Patrick Long, as my co-driver.”
A Passion for Racing
Dempsey’s love for racing goes back to his childhood. He officially started his own racing career in the early 2000s and competed in prestigious events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, in 2016, he took a break to focus on his family and acting career. Despite stepping away from driving, he remained involved as part of the ownership group for Dempsey-Proton Racing.
His passion for the sport was reignited while working on the 2023 film Ferrari, where he played racing legend Piero Taruffi. Speaking about his return to racing, Dempsey explained, “Racing is like an addiction. Once you start, it’s hard to stop. During pre-production on the recent Ferrari film, I got a lot of seat time and fell off the wagon, of sorts.”
A Deep Connection to the Sport
In a 2023 interview with PEOPLE, Dempsey reflected on what racing means to him beyond the competition. “Racing has been a really important part of my life,” he said. “Beyond the speed and excitement, it’s about camaraderie, fellowship, and the physical and mental challenge. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
He added, “When you’re racing, you don’t think about anything else—you’re completely present. And in the world we’re living in right now, I think that’s something really important to remember.”
Destined to Drive: Patrick Dempsey’s Return to Racing premieres March 16 on FS1.