You know what I did last Thursday?  I got to ride in a race car around the road course down in Sebring.  With Patrick Dempsey as my driver.  And then I asked him to take a selfie.

Just even typing that right now, I still can’t believe it even happened.

The entertainment reporter at my news station scored the interview with my boyfriend favorite actor and invited me to join her.  The only way I could really make it “work legit” was to offer my services as a producer, to help shoot some items if we were able to secure some sort of ride-along.  She asked.  His people said yes.  And we packed up and headed about 2 1/2 hours south of Orlando to Sebring.

I was nervous.  I was nervous he was going to remember me as some potential stalker.  I was nervous he wasn’t going to remember me at all.  Which is worse? To be remembered as the girl who’s father sold her out and told him that she named her son after him?

So we were escorted over to his paddock (race lingo!) and were all set up to interview Patrick while his race team worked on the cars.

The Dempsey Racing paddock at Sebring International Raceway.

He walked out and instantly, I wanted to pass out! What is it about this man that makes me weak in the knees? He says he remembered me, I have no idea.  I’m pretty sure I just went into a fit of nervous giggle.  Allison did the interview and we were set.

Interviewing Patrick Dempsey at Sebring International Raceway.

There was some time in between the interview and the ridealong so we got to sit and chat with some of the people working for him over the weekend.  Next thing you know, Patrick Dempsey walks in and says “are you ready to drive with me?” I mean….hello?!  I wasn’t planning on being in the car.  I had incorrectly assumed that the car had only two seats.  But it was a four-door Porsche that was used as a pace car.  So he insisted that I come with.  Again…you can’t say no to Patrick Dempsey!

And just like that, I was shoved into the back of this car with THREE video cameras in hand.  My heart was racing.  My brain was trying hard to focus on getting some great video.  My hands were shaking.  I didn’t want to screw up this moment.

Patrick Dempsey preparing to drive around the track at Sebring.

And just like that he starts pulling out of the garage area and we’re on the race track doing at least 90 miles-per-hour.  I have a great spot in the backseat between the two font seats and I’m trying my hardest not to die laughing.  I mean, I couldn’t stop giggling.

It wasn’t until we hit the first turn that I realized what was happening.

1)  I’m used to racetracks (like Daytona) that are basically a giant oval.  I forgot about all the turns!

2)  I FORGOT TO PUT ON MY SEAT-BELT.  Yes, you read that correctly.  I forgot to put on my seat-belt.  I was in such a rush and really focusing on not screwing this whole thing up, that I totally forgot.  And we were going way too fast for me to do anything about it.  So I basically hung on and enjoyed the ride.

There was one small moment where I had a really screwed up thought.  “If I die…that would be ok.”  I mean, I was with PATRICK DEMPSEY in a race car!  I think I may be ok with that.

Patrick Dempsey driving around the track at Sebring.

We hit all the turns and he walked us through what he has to do in the car during every-single-step of the race.  It is a lot to remember for just one lap.  I can’t imagine doing that for hours on end.  Although it must really just be a blast.

We got the car up to 135 miles-per-hour on the straightaway.  It was simply glorious.  Even a week later, I struggle finding the right words.  It was over in a flash.  As we pulled into the garage and he backed into the space, I had to do the unthinkable.  I asked for a selfie.  With Patrick Dempsey.

Patrick Dempsey poses for a selfie after driving News 13’s Jen Cook and Allison Walker around the track at Sebring.

Yes, you can tell I’m thrilled.  Yes, he’s that hot.  Yes, he’s that nice in person.  I keep getting asked HOW he smells.  I recall he smelled good.  Like a man in the woods but a hint of something sweet.  No, I did not put my tongue in his ear.  Yes, I still love him.

I do have video of the entire experience.  I cannot share it, as it’s a work thing.  However, if you are a Bright House Customer you can watch it on Channel 999.

Not only does Patrick Dempsey have his own race team, he also has his own wifi.