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HAMPTON, GEORGIA – JUNE 27: Patrick Staropoli, driver of the #24 SYFOVRE Toyota, walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Focused Health 250 at Echo Park Speedway on June 27, 2025 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Krista Jasso\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Dr. Patrick Staropoli will compete full-time in the 2026 NASCAR O\u2019Reilly 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<\/a> in February.<\/p>\n Patrick Staropoli competing full time for Big Machine Racing in 2026 https:\/\/t.co\/WX48RpHKFM<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/XTgSCj83ff<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Big Machine Racing (@bigmchnracing) December 23, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n 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\u2019s first full-time schedule in a NASCAR national series after several years of part-time competition.<\/p>\n NASCAR Career Built Over Time<\/p>\n Staropoli\u2019s path to a full-time ride has been gradual. According to Joseph Srigley of TobyChristie.com<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n After several years away from full-time competition, Staropoli returned to NASCAR\u2019s national ranks in 2025. \u201cHe made four starts in the O\u2019Reilly 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<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n Medical Career and Sponsor Alignment<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Staropoli\u2019s medical background aligns closely with the team\u2019s primary sponsor, SYFOVRE, a treatment designed to slow the progression of Geographic Atrophy secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Team Support and Driver Statements<\/p>\n 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\u2019s upper levels.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom the moment I buckled into a pure stock at Hialeah Speedway in 2003, my life\u2019s goal has been to compete at the top levels of this sport, Staropoli said<\/a>.\u201d \u00a0\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Patrick Donahue said the team believes Staropoli is a strong fit. According to Jayski.com<\/a>, Donahue cited Staropoli\u2019s professionalism, focus, and drive as key reasons the organization is confident in the move.<\/p>\n Staropoli is set to run the full 33-race O\u2019Reilly 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.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tDogli Wilberforce<\/a> is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tMore Heavy on NASCAR\n\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\tLoading more stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t