Hollywood heartthrob Patrick Dempsey has been deemed unlikely to compete in October’s Armor All Gold Coast 600, despite expressing interest in driving at the Surfers Paradise street track.
Dempsey, better known as ‘McDreamy’ in the TV drama series Grey’s Anatomy, shares his time between acting and race driving, running his own teams in both the American Le Mans Series and Grand Am categories.
The 45-year-old American had been invited by Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport to co-drive with Taz Douglas at this year’s Gold Coast race.
Dempsey’s management has subsequently confirmed that a clash of schedules will keep the popular actor away from the internationally-flavoured V8 Supercar event.
It is expected that Dempsey will spend the October 19-21 weekend competing in the Petit Le Mans ALMS event.
Dumbrell confirmed to Speedcafe.com that he had contacted an interested, yet busy, ‘McDreamy.’
“We were interested and we spoke to him, but unfortunately, he has some clashes,” said Dumbrell.
“Obviously he is best known for his acting on TV show and movies, but he also has some pretty impressive credentials as a race driver. I think he would do well in a V8 Supercar and wouldn’t embarrass himself.”
With the right contacts now in place, Dumbrell says that he will invite Dempsey back to Australia for next year.
“He would have been a different international to have, and I’ll definitely try and get him for next year,” Dumbrell said.
“He has a huge profile away from the track, but the facts are that he can steer. It’s unfortunate that he couldn’t do it. I’ll definitely talk to him next year.”
Dempsey has spoken of his interest in racing in V8 Supercars in the past, and even tweeted yesterday that he was watching last week’s Townsville race.
“Australian V8 Supercar drivers are a class act,” he posted. “Just watched the Queensland race. Wow what great driving!”
Nine drivers have so far been confirmed for the 2012 Armor Gold Coast 600, including Sebastien Bourdais and Richard Lyons (TeamVodafone), Gianni Morbidelli, Max Papis, Peter Kox and Boris Said (Dick Johnson Racing), plus Marco Andretti (Kelly Racing), Nick Heidfeld (Rod Nash Racing) and Darren Turner (Walkinshaw Racing).
Dumbrell is now looking to secure his driver for the October 19-21 event as soon as possible.
“I’m not sure who we’re going to get. There’s lots of potentials,” he said.
“Plenty of people has asked me, but I guess I just have to sift through them to see who will be our best option for both on-track results and some positive publicity.”
