For Immediate Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Big Machine Racing Welcomes Retina Surgeon Dr. Patrick Staropoli to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for Full-Time Competition Beginning at Daytona
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — December 23, 2025 — Big Machine Racing announced today that retina surgeon and stock car driver Dr. Patrick Staropoli will join the team full time in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, beginning with the season opener at Daytona International Speedway this February. Staropoli will pilot the No. 48 SYFOVRE® (pegcetacoplan injection) Chevrolet, marking a unique blend of elite medical expertise and high-performance motorsports on one of racing’s biggest stages.
“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. 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.”
A third-generation driver from Plantation, Florida, Staropoli first gained national attention after winning the 2013 PEAK Stock Car Dream Challenge to become a Michael Waltrip Racing development driver, emerging ahead of top talents including runner-up Chase Briscoe. The Harvard University graduate went on to earn a seat with Bill McAnally Racing in the ARCA West Series for the 2014 season, where he quickly proved himself as a frontrunner.
Staropoli competed in four Xfinity Series and four Truck Series races in the 2025 season. Across his career, he has accumulated 17 starts in multiple ARCA series divisions. His breakthrough victory at Irwindale Speedway in 2014 made him the first medical doctor in NASCAR history to win a race.
Dr. Staropoli is a board-certified medical and surgical retina specialist. His research on retinal detachment repair, macular disease, and resident education has been widely published. He completed both his ophthalmology residency and vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the nation’s top-ranked eye hospital.
“We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Patrick Staropoli to the #48 Big Machine Racing team for the 2026 season,” said Patrick Donahue, Crew Chief and Team Manager. “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.”
About Big Machine Racing
Big Machine Racing is owned by music mogul Scott Borchetta, the multi award-winning record executive, President/CEO and Founder of Nashville based Big Machine Label Group and Big Machine Distilleries. The team made the playoffs in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Contact: Paul.Williams@BigMachineRacing.com
615 715-7884
