Dr. Patrick Staropoli will compete full-time in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with Big Machine Racing. The team confirmed he will drive the No. 48 SYFOVRE Chevrolet starting with the season opener at Daytona International Speedway in February.
Patrick Staropoli competing full time for Big Machine Racing in 2026 https://t.co/WX48RpHKFM pic.twitter.com/XTgSCj83ff
— Big Machine Racing (@bigmchnracing) December 23, 2025
Staropoli, 36, is a board-certified retina surgeon from Plantation, Florida, and a third-generation racer. He will replace Nick Sanchez, who drove the No. 48 in previous seasons. The program will run with Chevrolet support and SYFOVRE as the primary sponsor for the full season. The announcement marks Staropoli’s first full-time schedule in a NASCAR national series after several years of part-time competition.
NASCAR Career Built Over Time
Staropoli’s path to a full-time ride has been gradual. According to Joseph Srigley of TobyChristie.com, Staropoli first gained national attention by winning the 2013 PEAK Stock Car Dream Challenge, which earned him a development role with Michael Waltrip Racing. That result put him ahead of several other drivers during the selection process.
He continued his rise in 2014 while racing for Bill McAnally Racing in the ARCA West Series. Staropoli won at Irwindale Speedway that season, becoming the first medical doctor to win a NASCAR-sanctioned race.
After several years away from full-time competition, Staropoli returned to NASCAR’s national ranks in 2025. “He made four starts in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with Sam Hunt Racing and four starts in the Craftsman Truck Series with Cook Racing Technologies, earning two top-20 finishes in each series, according to TobyChristie.com.”
Medical Career and Sponsor Alignment
Away from the track, Staropoli works as a board-certified medical and surgical retina specialist. He completed his residency and fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and has published research on retinal disease and medical education.
Staropoli’s medical background aligns closely with the team’s primary sponsor, SYFOVRE, a treatment designed to slow the progression of Geographic Atrophy secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
Big Machine Racing plans to use the partnership to raise awareness about eye health during the 2026 season. The team has indicated the program will include educational messaging at race events and through media appearances, with Staropoli playing a key role due to his medical expertise.
Team Support and Driver Statements
Team owner Scott Borchetta worked alongside crew chief and team manager Patrick Donahue to finalize the agreement with Chevrolet. Staropoli said the opportunity reflects decades of work toward reaching NASCAR’s upper levels.
“From the moment I buckled into a pure stock at Hialeah Speedway in 2003, my life’s goal has been to compete at the top levels of this sport, Staropoli said.” “The path has taken many unexpected turns, but after working every day for 23 years in pursuit of this dream, I now have the opportunity of a lifetime thanks to Scott Borchetta, Patrick Donahue, and Chevrolet. I am ready to do whatever it takes to put this SYFOVRE Chevy up front and raise awareness for Geographic Atrophy secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration by combining my passion for motorsports and medicine.”
Patrick Donahue said the team believes Staropoli is a strong fit. According to Jayski.com, Donahue cited Staropoli’s professionalism, focus, and drive as key reasons the organization is confident in the move.
Staropoli is set to run the full 33-race O’Reilly Auto Parts Series schedule in 2026. The season opener at Daytona International Speedway will air on The CW, Motor Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
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