Dempsey Racing will become the first LMP2 customer for the stock-block Mazda SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter diesel four-cylinder, dual-stage turbocharged racing powerplant announced by Mazda earlier today.

Patrick Dempsey and his business partner/co-driver Joe Foster have both competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans as drivers in the GT category, and are eager to return in 2013, this time in the LMP2 class and with Mazda SKYACTIV-D clean diesel-power.

Dempsey Racing expanded their operation earlier this year to include a team running in the American Le Mans Series, and is competing in both the Prototype Challenge (LMPC) and Prototype 2 (LMP2) classes as they prepare for their Le Mans effort. Dempsey and co-driver Joe Foster are testing their current LMP2 car in Virginia.

Patrick Dempsey comments “Our long-term partnership with Mazda has been fantastic, and we look forward to mutual success as we prepare for 2013. We are focused on that preparation which is why we are currently testing our LMP2 car here in the US in preparation for the next ALMS event. Our team and partners are excited to be associated with SKYACTIV-D technology and the cutting-edge green technology it represents.”