Patrick Dempsey: Racing LeMans
โ 9 ยท 2013 ยท Documentary
The list of legendary actors-turned-racers is as short as it is iconic: Paul Newman, Steve McQueen and James Garner. This summer, Velocity follows Patrick Dempsey as he joins this elite group when he tackles the world's oldest and most grueling automotive endurance race, France's 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Episodes
โถ1. Actor/RacerHollywood leading man Patrick Dempsey has set himself an enormous goal, to compete at the most prestigious race in motorsports, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Following in the footsteps of legendary idols Paul Newman, Steve McQueen and James Garner, Dempsey's passion and commitment to racing has earned him respect within the racing community. But the road to Le Mans isn't without sacrifice, as Patrick must strike a balance between his day job on set and his desire to secure time in the driver's seat. Alongside demanding sponsorship commitments and a challenged car manufacturer, Patrick and partner Joe Foster navigate the minefield that lies before them as they struggle to keep their team on the road to Le Mans.โถ2. The Money BurnNot only is actor Patrick Dempsey a race car driver, he's a race team owner and with that title comes the stress of raising money to keep his car on the track. Like Paul Newman and James Garner before him, Patrick is balancing his time behind the wheel with the demands of finding financing. With delinquent sponsors consistently coming up short, Patrick and partner Joe Foster are scrambling to keep their team solvent. As the 2012 season comes to an end, the team is in dire financial straits, forcing layoffs and an end to its 6-year relationship with Mazda. After a failed attempt at the Petit Le Mans, the team's hope of making it to France are derailing.โถ3. RebirthAn 11th hour deal with Porsche allows actor Patrick Dempsey to keep his race team alive, but organizational restructuring brings in a wave of new players. Constant tweaking of the driver line-up causes some unrest among the team, and after a much-anticipated invitation to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it becomes imperative to field the most competitive team possible. Strong showings at Sebring and Laguna Seca, coupled with the addition of veteran racer Patrick Long to the Le Mans driver line-up, give the team the jolt of energy it's been seeking for months. A first place finish for Patrick Dempsey in the Mint 400 add to the actor's confidence, and for the first time in over a year the team is riding high as it prepares to take on the daunting challenge of Le Mans.โถ4. EnduranceFor leading man Patrick Dempsey, this is the moment of truth. After nursing his team through two tumultuous seasons with partner Joe Foster, they arrive in France to tackle the near-impossible goal they set for themselves a year ago, to compete in motorsport's most grueling event, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With veteran driver Patrick Long as their teammate, a podium finish in their class is within reach. But like Paul Newman and Steve McQueen before him, Patrick Dempsey must navigate the media circus that surrounds Le Mans, and stay focused on the task at hand.