Dr. Patrick Staropoli, a retina surgeon turned racer, will step into the role of full-time driver for the No. 48 Big Machine Racing Chevrolet in 2026, following the departure of Nick Sanchez. This next chapter in the Patrick Staropoli racing career reflects years of perseverance, with his medical and motorsports passions converging at a major NASCAR stage.
Staropoli’s Gradual Rise in Stock Car Racing
Staropoli made his O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut this year, participating in four events with Sam Hunt Racing, achieving a personal best of 16th place at Martinsville. He also competed in four Truck Series races, again notching a top finish of 15th at the same track. In 2025, his schedule expands to six ARCA races, where he has already earned three top-ten results, strengthening his credentials for a move up to a full-time seat.
Staropoli’s racing journey began making headlines in 2013, when he won the PEAK Stock Car Dream Challenge and joined the Michael Waltrip Racing development program. The following year, his skill was on further display with a victory in the ARCA West event at Irwindale. His experience across different series demonstrates his adaptability and commitment to professional racing.
Commitment to Both Racing and Medicine
Staropoli has voiced the lifelong dedication behind his pursuit of a career in elite stock car competition, noting how it began two decades ago at Hialeah Speedway.
“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,”
said Staropoli. Reflecting on his unusual dual-career path, he added,
“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 Staropoli, Driver.
Big Machine Racing’s Outlook for 2026
Big Machine Racing, an organization that has scored two victories (with Sanchez at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta this past year and Tyler Reddick in Texas in 2022), is counting on Staropoli to deliver both performance and his unique perspective as a physician and racer. Patrick Donahue, the team’s Crew Chief and Manager, expressed confidence in the new addition, stating,
“We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Patrick Staropoli to the #48 Big Machine Racing team for the 2026 season,”
and continued,
“He brings a rare blend of professionalism, focus, and drive that will continue to strengthen our organization. This partnership reflects our commitment to surrounding the team with individuals who share our values and vision for building long-term success.”
– Patrick Donahue, Crew Chief and Team Manager.
Staropoli’s transition into a full-time ride underlines Big Machine Racing’s focus on both results and community impact, especially given Staropoli’s advocacy for retinal disease awareness. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Staropoli’s diverse background and persistence fuel his campaign in one of NASCAR’s most watched seats.
