Patrick Staropoli Bio
Early Life and Background
Patrick Charles Staropoli was born on November 10, 1989, in Plantation, Florida. He is the son of Nick Staropoli Jr. and Arlene Staropoli and has a sister named Devon. Staropoli graduated as the valedictorian from Plantation High School in 2008, where he was actively involved in various extracurricular activities, including serving as vice president of the National Honor Society and participating in rocket competitions.
Staropoli’s passion for racing began at a young age, attending races since he was six months old, influenced by his father and grandfather, both of whom were racers. At the age of 13, he started racing go-karts in Naples, Florida. He later progressed to the Pure Stocks division and then to the Super Late Models division, racing for his family’s team.
Path to NASCAR
In 2013, Staropoli was selected to compete in the PEAK Stock Car Dream Challenge, a reality show organized by Michael Waltrip Racing. He emerged as the winner, earning a part-time ride in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series for Bill McAnally Racing. He made his debut in the K&N Pro Series West at Spokane, finishing fifth. The following year, he secured his first victory in the West Series at Irwindale.
Despite his early success, Staropoli faced challenges in balancing his racing career with his medical studies at Harvard University. After a brief hiatus from racing to focus on his medical education, he made his NASCAR debut in the Truck Series in 2016. From 2017 to 2024, he stepped back from NASCAR to concentrate on his medical career, occasionally participating in late model and modified races.
Patrick Staropoli Career
Early Career (2013–2024)
Staropoli’s early racing career included notable achievements in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, where he won a race in the West Series and earned multiple top finishes in both the East and West divisions. His debut in the ARCA Racing Series came in 2015, but he faced challenges balancing his medical education with racing commitments.
After making his NASCAR Truck Series debut in 2016, he continued to race sporadically while focusing on his medical career. During this period, he participated in various late model races, honing his skills and maintaining his connection to the sport.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2025)
In 2025, Staropoli made a significant return to NASCAR after a nine-year absence, competing part-time in multiple series, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series for Sam Hunt Racing, the NASCAR Truck Series for Cook Racing Technologies, and the ARCA Menards Series for Venturini Motorsports. He debuted in the Xfinity Series at Martinsville, finishing 16th, and also made his return to the Truck Series, finishing 20th in his first start in over nine seasons.
Staropoli’s return to racing has been marked by a strong performance in the ARCA Menards Series, where he finished eighth in his season debut at Phoenix. His participation in these series demonstrates his commitment to balancing his dual careers in medicine and racing.
Sam Hunt Racing Era (2025–Present)
Staropoli’s current tenure with Sam Hunt Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series has allowed him to showcase his skills on a larger stage. Competing in the No. 24 Toyota GR Supra, he aims to build on his early successes and establish himself as a competitive driver in the series. His experience and medical background provide a unique perspective that he brings to the track.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Staropoli is known for his analytical approach to racing, leveraging his medical training to enhance his decision-making and strategic skills on the track. His background in engineering and medicine allows him to approach racing with a unique perspective, focusing on precision and adaptability.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
While Staropoli has yet to secure a major victory in NASCAR, his early wins in the K&N Pro Series and his return to competitive racing after a significant hiatus are notable milestones in his career. His commitment to both racing and medicine exemplifies his dedication to excellence in both fields.
Patrick Staropoli Career Wins
Throughout his racing career, Staropoli has achieved several notable finishes across various series, although he has not yet secured a win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series or NASCAR Truck Series. His single victory in the ARCA Menards Series West highlights his potential as a competitive driver.
Current NASCAR Xfinity Series Highlights
As of 2025, Staropoli has made a notable return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series, competing part-time and showcasing his skills in the No. 24 Toyota GR Supra. His debut at Martinsville marked a significant moment in his career, and he continues to seek opportunities to improve his standings in the series.
Previous ARCA Menards Series Achievements
In the ARCA Menards Series, Staropoli has demonstrated his competitiveness, achieving a best finish of 20th in 2025. His early success in the series, including a victory in the ARCA Menards Series West, showcases his potential and determination as a driver.
Patrick Staropoli Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Staropoli comes from a family with a rich history in racing, influenced by his father and grandfather, both of whom were involved in motorsports. This familial connection has played a significant role in shaping his passion for racing and his career trajectory.
Personal Life
Outside of racing, Staropoli is a practicing retina surgeon, having graduated from the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine in 2017. His dual career in medicine and racing reflects his commitment to both fields, and he has launched initiatives to raise awareness about retinal diseases, demonstrating his dedication to making a positive impact.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a pivotal year for Staropoli as he returns to NASCAR after a lengthy absence. Competing in multiple series, he has shown promise with solid performances, including an eighth-place finish in the ARCA Menards Series and respectable outings in the Truck and Xfinity Series. His ability to balance his medical career while racing highlights his dedication and resilience, setting the stage for potential future successes in the sport.
