Dempsey Racing’s Patrick Dempsey and Joe Foster are set to join the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) P2 division with a partial schedule of races this year running on Michelin tires.

Using a Judd-powered Lola B12-80 Coupe, Dempsey Racing will soon kick off a testing program prior to its ALMS race debut later this season. With its entry into both P2 and PC classes in the American Le Mans Series in 2012, this season will the biggest year of operation in the history of Dempsey Racing.

“We’re excited to compete for the first time at Sebring, with our STR partners in the PC class, as well as take the additional step of an eventual entry into the P2 field,” Dempsey said.

“It’s no secret that I really enjoyed my experience at Le Mans in 2009, and would love to go back with our own effort. We have a history of taking things one step at a time, and this is just the next step toward that goal.”

The Dempsey Racing duo were joined at today’s announcement by Silicon Tech Racing (STR) principal Henri Richard and their teammates Duncan Ende and Dane Cameron. Richard, Ende and Cameron are co-driving in this weekend’s Sebring event in the Silicon Tech/Dempsey Racing No. 025 Future Electronics/HP/STANDD/Pounce Consulting/Racer’s Roast Oreca FLM09 in the Prototype Challenge (PC) division.

“Our long-term partner Mazda has been analyzing ways to demonstrate its SKYACTIV Technology within the ACO rules format, and we as a team would like to be ready if such an opportunity arises,” Foster said.

Dempsey last year demonstrated Mazda’s 24 Hours of Le Mans winning car from 1991 at the fabled French endurance classic.

“The team has had an amazing progression in its partnerships and ability to provide value,” the popular actor/racer said.

“We are working hard on putting together additional partners to help get us back to Le Mans but also being able to compete at fantastic venues like Sebring, Daytona, Indianapolis, Road Atlanta and others will make this season a thrill for me as a driver as well as team owner.”