Patrick Dempsey puts racing first, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ second

Patrick Dempsey

Whether or not actor Patrick Dempsey resuscitates his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd for a ninth season of Grey's Anatomy will depend on whether ABC gives him leniency to drive cars really fast.

Grey's Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey and AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson talk racing Sunday at Daytona International Speedway in advance of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 28-29.CAPTIONGrand-Am Road Racing Series Dempsey, whose contract with the medical drama is up in May, was at Daytona International Speedway over the weekend, testing his Dempsey Racing Mazda RX-8 in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series "Roar Before the Rolex 24" event.

Dempsey wasn't the only celeb at testing. AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson and Los Angeles Angels pitcher C.J. Wilson were among the 112 participants.

Dempsey added he probably would be able to stick with Grey's, though made it clear that racing and a movie career are priorities.

"We're certainly talking about the future (with ABC)," Dempsey said. "The biggest point for me in negotiations is getting time off to come race — so if I don't miss races, I'll probably stay on (Grey's).

"It certainly helps with the racing, and that's my real passion, but I also enjoy the show as well." USA Today