‘Grey’s Anatomy’ extension confirmed

Patrick Dempsey’s acting and racing careers will be intermingled for the foreseeable future.

Dempsey, a driver/owner racing in the Rolex 24 at Daytona endurance event this weekend, confirmed on Saturday night that he has signed a two-year contract extension to continue with the popular television series Grey’s Anatomy. The show has not officially been picked up beyond its 10th season, but Dempsey’s deal provides a strong indication that it will be back.

Dempsey also plans to run a full season in the United SportsCar Championship, racing in the fourth-tier GTD class.

Dempsey said the acting gig has been a huge help to his other full-time job. Dempsey and co-driver Andrew Davis plan to race in all 13 events.

“Grey’s does a remarkable job scheduling around these races now, and I wouldn’t be able to do it without them,” Dempsey said. “The fact that they continue to let me race is remarkable in itself, so I am grateful for that and grateful to have employment that is known around the world. It gives me a platform to come and do this type of thing, and it helps the sponsors.

“I’m lucky to have the gig.”

When the 48-year-old Dempsey was asked whether he had any thoughts about giving up Grey’s for racing, he said, “When I grow up, I want to race full time.”

Dempsey has raced professionally for nearly a decade. He is coming off his most successful season, which included a third-place finish at Circuit of The Americas and a second-place finishes at Laguna Seca and Petit at Le Mans. He also was fourth at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, teaming with Joe Foster and Patrick Long.