Patrick Dempsey Won’t Do Grey’s if They Don’t Respect Racing Schedule

45-year-old Patrick Dempsey has become a household name thanks to his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy (though whether it’s his name or “McDreamy”, I do not know). Even though Grey’s is coming back strong for its 8th season this fall, Dempsey has dropped several hints that he might not be coming back.

Why, McDreamy, why?

Because the actor wants to pursue his passion. No, not acting. Racing.

On Sunday, while testing his car for an upcoming race at the Daytona International Speedway, Dempsey told reporters:

“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 Anatomy,“

Last year, Dempsey did say that the 7th season would be his last, but his publicist crushed the resulting hysteria by clarifying that Dempsey was merely referring to his contract being up. Though it seems that between Grey’s and racing, Dempsey would pick the latter every time, he did express openness to return to the show should the producers conform to his schedule:

The sport is “my real passion,” he said. “But I also enjoy the show. It keeps me in town so I can be around my family. So we’ll see. Hopefully we can work out a deal.”

If you (like me) didn’t know that Dempsey was a racer until you clicked on this article, you can catch him in action live on SPEED Jan 28 at 3:30 p.m. ET and Jan. 29 at 9 a.m. ET if you be so inclined.

Do you watch Grey’s Anatomy? If so, you think the show could make it without Patrick Dempsey?