Patrick Staropoli will race full-time for Big Machine Racing in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, driving the No. 48 SYFOVRE Chevrolet, as announced ahead of the season opener at Daytona International Speedway in February. The addition of Staropoli, a board-certified retina specialist and third-generation racer, brings renewed focus on both competitive performance and health awareness, aligning with the team’s new sponsorship and outreach goals.
A New Chapter for Staropoli and Big Machine Racing
The 36-year-old Patrick Staropoli, who hails from Plantation, Florida, steps into the No. 48 Chevrolet previously driven by Nick Sanchez. This shift marks Staropoli’s debut as a full-time competitor in a NASCAR national series after several years of part-time participation. With Chevrolet factory backing and SYFOVRE as the main sponsor, the team signals strong intentions for the upcoming season, while using the platform to raise awareness about treatments for Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
This strategic collaboration comes as Big Machine Racing gears up for the new season with a focus on blending Staropoli’s medical background with the aims of their primary sponsor, a connection they plan to spotlight throughout 2026 at race events and through broader media outreach.
Tracing Staropoli’s Racing Journey
Staropoli’s progress toward a full-time race seat has unfolded over a number of years, marked by gradual achievement and persistence. His nationwide visibility grew after winning the 2013 PEAK Stock Car Dream Challenge, opening the door to a development contract with Michael Waltrip Racing and besting a slate of other hopefuls. The following year, Staropoli captured a historic win at Irwindale Speedway while racing for Bill McAnally Racing in the ARCA West Series, becoming the first medical doctor to reach victory lane in a NASCAR-sanctioned event.
After a stretch away from the cockpit, Staropoli returned to NASCAR’s national stage in 2025, making four starts in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with Sam Hunt Racing and four in the Craftsman Truck Series with Cook Racing Technologies. He managed two top-20 finishes in each series, showing the potential that Big Machine Racing now believes can translate into success over a full season.
“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.”
– Joseph Srigley, TobyChristie.com
Combining a Medical Career with Racing
In addition to his racing pursuits, Staropoli practices as a board-certified retina specialist, following training at the renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. He has contributed research in retinal disease and medical education, underscoring his ability to bridge the worlds of motorsport and medicine. The synergy between Staropoli’s expertise and the sponsorship from SYFOVRE, a treatment for Geographic Atrophy secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration, positions both driver and team to spotlight important health issues during the season.
Big Machine Racing has outlined plans for educational initiatives at the track and in the media, leveraging Staropoli’s credentials to educate fans about eye health and the significance of ongoing research and treatment options.
Commitment from Team Leadership and the Driver
Scott Borchetta, team owner, and Patrick Donahue, serving both as crew chief and team manager, were instrumental in securing the agreement with Staropoli and Chevrolet. Their decision reflects a belief in Staropoli’s unique combination of racing skill and professional discipline. Donahue pointed to Staropoli’s focus and determination as factors that align well with the ambitions of the organization, providing optimism for the team’s results in 2026.
Staropoli expressed that the full-time driving opportunity represents the culmination of a lifelong dream.
“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.”
– Patrick Staropoli, Driver
He further reflected on the protracted effort it has taken to reach this stage.
“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
Looking Toward the 2026 Season
With a full 33-race schedule ahead, Staropoli and Big Machine Racing prepare to compete at some of NASCAR’s most iconic venues. The season begins at Daytona International Speedway, an event set to be aired on The CW, Motor Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. As the team moves forward, many will watch to see how the pairing of medical expertise, competitive drive, and strategic partnership will impact both team results and public awareness around eye health.
The alignment of Patrick Staropoli’s background with Big Machine Racing’s mission and SYFOVRE’s sponsorship aims adds a distinct dimension to the 2026 racing season, with supporters in both the racing and medical communities taking notice of this new chapter for the team and driver alike.
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
