Patrick Dempsey celebrated his selection as the cover subject for this weekend’s print edition of Michelin Alley at Virginia International Raceway by storming to his first TUDOR United SportsCar Championship podium today with co-driver Andrew Davis.

After starting 12th, Dempsey had an impressive first stint to hand over his GT Daytona class Porsche to Davis in fourth position. Davis moved up to third and then held on late in the race despite huge pressure from championship points co-leader, Leh Keen.

The result was a solid comeback for Dempsey who damaged the car the previous day in practice.

While Dempsey’s “day job” as an actor has made him a household name, there is nothing “Hollywood” about the Porsche racer at the track. He has earned the respect of his peers with strong consistent performances – he is Patrick Dempsey the race driver, not Patrick Dempsey the actor who also races cars.

“We’ve been pretty aggressive and you need to be in this series, it’s so competitive. The guys really rallied yesterday. They got the car ready. There was a sense of pride and accomplishment from the guys and it was quite moving,” Dempsey said.

“I don’t think people realize how much of a team effort this really is. I felt today was really important to show how much that means to me and to be in a series with these guys that are up here.

“After chasing a podium for so long this year, and being here, to compete, and having so much fun. We started 12th and I came in around fourth. The racing was incredibly clean for the most part, you could be aggressive if you needed.

“It’s a tremendous honor and privilege. When you have these moments, you say you’re grateful to have this experience. Handling of the car is great. It constantly changes so you have to always be adapting. As long as you hit your marks, stay calm, the car is a lot of fun to drive.

“This track, with the repaving it’s really fun here. I don’t think there is anyone here who doesn’t enjoy driving around here. The care that the owners take to develop this track. It means a lot to us and we really appreciate that they care so much.”