Late last season, Nick Sanchez expected to return to the No. 48 Big Machine Racing Chevrolet. However, a new driver will lead the team into 2026.
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According to a press release, Dr. Patrick Staropoli will take over the entry for the full O'Reilly Auto Parts Series schedule. The retina surgeon will have SYFOVRE (pegcetacoplan injection) as his primary sponsor as he gains more NASCAR experience.
Dr. Staropoli made eight national series starts last season — four in the Craftsman Truck Series and four in the Xfinity Series (now the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series). He posted a season-best 15th-place finish at Martinsville Speedway in the Truck Series and a 16th-place finish at Martinsville Speedway in the Xfinity Series.
Dr. Staropoli has also made 17 starts across the ARCA series over multiple seasons. This stretch includes a 2014 win at Irwindale Speedway.
"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 Florida native said in a press 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 (owner), Patrick Donahue (crew chief and team manager), 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."
With Dr. Staropoli taking over the No. 48 Chevrolet, Sanchez will aim to find a new opportunity for the 2026 season. His tenure with Big Machine Racing will end after one partial season, one full season, and a win at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
"Over the weekend, I was informed that I will not be driving the No. 48 for Big Machine Racing in 2026," Sanchez said in a Dec. 8 statement. I'm grateful to Scott Borchetta, Patrick Donahue, everyone at Chevrolet and the whole team.
"I am proud of all we accomplished this year including our win. Unfortunately timing and circumstances, but it's strictly business. When one door closes another one opens. Excited about what is ahead."
