4 celebrities who’ve raced professionally

While you might recognise celebrities for their on screen personas, skills in their own sports or their other exploits, there are a few who also dabbled in racing of some from or another! Here are a few examples!

1. Caitlyn Jenner

Once voted the 'World Greatest Athlete', Caitlyn Jenner was once a track star in two senses; first as a Olympic Gold medalist in the decathlon and on track racing cars.

The LGBTQ+ icon won one race alongside Scott Pruett in the GTO class of the 1986 IMSA GT Championship and raced in several more, almost racing in NASCAR in the early 80's on top of her IMSA outings. Jenner has maintained an interest in racing, launching 'Jenner Racing' in the W Series which won the drivers championship with Jamie Chadwick.

2. Patrick Dempsey

Dempsey might be one of the better known racers in this list. Grey's Anatomy's Dr. 'McDreamy' Shepherd has previously stated he'd race full time if he left acting behind.

A four time Le Mans entrant with his own Dempsey Racing team and one time class podium finisher at the event(GTE Am), Dempsey has entered almost 90 races over the span of his racing career, including IMSA's 24 a sixth place overall finish in the World Endurance Championship against the likes of Pedro Lamy, Mathias Lauda and Ronald Goethe as well as racing the Porsche Supercup and the American Le Mans Series.

3. James Dean

Actor James Dean had planned to race in the Indy 500 but never made it that far due to his busy schedule, and then his untimely death at the age of 24 in 1955.

The iconic heartthrob raced sportscars 3 times prior to his death, competing against Ken Miles in race one and managing a second place. In race two he managed third overall, but first in his class. Race three saw him DNF when his Porsche's piston blew while he sat 4th.

4. Rowan Atkinson

No, not Mini Coopers! 'Mr Bean' himself is an avid classic car fan and collector and even had the pleasure of sharing a drive with Sir Stirling Moss in the early 2000's.

Atkinson raced in a one make series for two seasons, driving a Renault GT5 Turbo, a series similar to what we are now familiar with as the Clio Cup.

📸 Image credits: 24h du Mans, Porsche Supercup, Sebring International Circuit, Palm Springs Historical Society, Goodwood.