Patrick Dempsey's team is growing with a new program into the American Le Mans Series, to be run in partnership with Silicon Tech Racing. Silicon Tech/Dempsey Racing will run the full 2012 ALMS schedule in the Le Mans Prototype Challenge class.
Henri Richard, who has participated in the ALMS' LMPC and GT Challenge classes the last two seasons and posted three class wins (including both the 2010 and 2011 Petit Le Mans races) partners with Dempsey and Joe Foster in the program. The origin of Dempsey Racing dates to 2003 when the squad was known as Hyper Sport.
“We've been seeking to expand our program base for some time and we firmly believe that we've arrived at the correct opportunity with Henri and his Silicon Tech Racing partners,” Dempsey said. “Next year will be a big step for Dempsey Racing as we continue to work with our long-term manufacturer partner Mazda and expand into the ALMS. We have long-term, international aspirations, and long-term international partners like Silicon Tech Racing and Mazda will help us achieve those goals.”
“Joining with Patrick, Joe and everyone at Dempsey Racing is an amazing opportunity for next year,” Richard said. “Dempsey Racing brings a great name to our business-to-business platform, and the value it will bring to each event will be a great boost for our team. At the very least I'm sure we'll have a lot more executives pushed by their wives and daughters to come out to the races.”
The team will announce its full driver and sponsor lineup in the next several weeks, although Richard (FAR RIGHT) should participate in all events that don't clash with his business commitments.
The news comes on the heels that LMPC defending class team champions CORE autosport confirmed a two-car program for its return in 2012.