Fox Sports is putting the spotlight on actor Patrick Dempsey and his return to professional racing after a hiatus lasting several years.
Titled "Destined to Drive: Patrick Dempsey's Return to Racing," the documentary followed the Golden Globe-nominated actor ("Grey's Anatomy," "Dexter: Original Sin") as he attempted to get back into race car driving after nearly 10 years away from the sport. His avenue was the Porsche Endurance Challenge.
According to the press release, the one-hour documentary showcases Dempsey's preparation, struggles, and successes as he returned to racing. It also features his work with American Le Mans Series champion/Porsche factory driver Patrick Long, Rallycross and Formula Drift champion Tanner Foust, and NASCAR Cup Series champion-turned-Fox Sports analyst Kevin Harvick.
🏁 Rev your engines for the premiere of DESTINED TO DRIVE: PATRICK DEMPSEY’S RETURN TO RACING - the new documentary from @FOXSports Films & @NASCAR Studios following @PatrickDempsey's return to motorsports.
⏰ Sunday, March 16 at 7pm ET on @FS1.
🔗https://t.co/Kq0SlPDEcr pic.twitter.com/QJpkX4LmXq
— FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) March 6, 2025
Dempsey took on the racing series in 2024, starting with a trip to Circuit of the Americas. The inaugural Porsche Endurance Challenge North America season continued with trips to Road America and Sonoma Raceway. It ended with a return to Circuit of the Americas.
The Porsche Endurance Challenge North America featured the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars and Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport race cars. Dempsey competed in the Cayman class.
"Patrick Dempsey's unwavering passion for racing and competitive drive reflects the heart of a true athlete, and FOX Sports is thrilled to partner with NASCAR Studios to spotlight the extraordinary commitment he's put into racing at the highest levels," said Barry Nugent, Vice President, Development and Original Programming at FOX Sports.
"We're excited to bring fans along for the ride to reveal the grit, determination, and challenges Patrick faced competing in the high-stakes Porsche Endurance Challenge and whether this experience awakens the burning desire within to continue on his quest."
The Porsche Endurance Challenge North America is not Dempsey's first foray into racing. He previously competed in the World Endurance Championship while driving a Porsche 911 RSR. He scored a podium finish in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and delivered a class win at Fuji.
Dempsey had stepped away from racing in 2016 to focus on acting, but he caught the proverbial bug once again after landing a role in the Adam Driver-led film, "Ferrari." This Porsche Endurance Challenge North America provided him the opportunity to get back behind the wheel.
The Dempsey documentary will air on Sunday, March 16, at 7 p.m. ET. It will air on FS1 immediately after the Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.