Patrick Staropoli will race full time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026 for Big Machine Racing, the team announced Dec. 23.
Staropoli will run the No. 48 that was vacated by Nick Sanchez, who drove the car in 2025 and was released earlier this month.
SYFOVRE will sponsor the effort.
“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 in a team release. “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.”
“We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Patrick Staropoli to the No. 48 Big Machine Racing team for the 2026 season,” Donahue added. “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.”
Staropoli debuted in the series in 2025, earning two top 20s in four starts with Sam Hunt Racing.
2025 marked Staropoli’s return to national stock-car racing after nine years away. He won one ARCA Menards Series West race in 2014 and also made a single NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series appearance in 2016.
Sanchez earned a win, seven top fives and 12 top 10s in the No. 48 in 2025. His plans for 2026 have not yet been announced.
Kevin Rutherford is the executive editor of Frontstretch, a position he gained in 2025 after being the managing editor since 2015, and serving on the editing staff since 2013.
At his day job, he's a journalist covering music and rock charts at Billboard. He lives in New York City, but his heart is in Ohio -- you know, like that Hawthorne Heights song.
Money talks, Sanchez walks.