“Rare Blend of Professionalism, Focus, and Drive!” Eye Surgeon Patrick Staropoli Replaces Nick Sanchez at Big Machine Racing

Dr. Patrick Staropoli is set to make his NASCAR full-time racing debut in the 2026 season with Big Machine Racing.

“Rare Blend of Professionalism, Focus, and Drive!” Eye Surgeon Patrick Staropoli Replaces Nick Sanchez at Big Machine Racing

Patrick Staropoli and Nick Sanchez (Via @97patrickstar/x and IMAGO)

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One of the most shocking driver announcements of the 2025 NASCAR off-season came from Big Machine Racing. The team decided to part ways with Nick Snachez, the second-best rookie in the second division this year, behind Conor Zilisch. Unfortunately, one race win wasn’t enough earned him a seat for 2025, as he is replaced by an eye surgeon.

Dr. Patrick Staropoli will join Big Machine Racing in the 2026 season as a full-time driver, in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He will drive the No. 48 with the primary sponsorship from SYFOVRE® (pegcetacoplan injection). He is a third-generation driver from Plantation, Florida who made his breakthrough in mid-2010’s, before going on to study at Harvard and University of Miami.

Now he is making a comeback, determined to complete the dream that he once abandoned for studies and a medical career. BMR believes they will have a racer that is going to bring in a rare blend of professionalism, focus, and drive. The team is making a huge bet on a 36-year-old racer, who made just four starts in the second division in 2025.

We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Patrick Staropoli to the #48 Big Machine Racing team for the 2026 season. 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) said in a public statement.

Dr. Patrick Staropoli sees the BMR seat as the opportunity of a lifetime

In his statement about the new opportunity, Patrick Staropoli pointed out that racing at the top level has always been his dream and highlighted how his career has taken many unexpected turns over the years. He sees the return to full-time racing as an opportunity of a lifetime.

Dr. Patrick Staropoli
Dr. Patrick Staropoli (Via @97patrickstar/X)

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. 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.

Dr. Patrick Staropoli said.

Further talking about the point, the soon to be Cup rookie driver explained one of the major goals he has set alongside winning races. He is looking to raise awareness for Geographic Atrophy in associating with his sponsors.

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.

Dr. Patrick Staropoli added.

The comments from the racer shows that his sponsor have played a major role in him starting a new racing chapter in his career. It would be interesting to see how everything is going to playout for Staropoli and if Big Machine Racing will regret letting a talent such as Nick Snachez go.

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