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Patrick Staropoli
Staropoli in 2024
BornPatrick Charles Staropoli
(1989-11-10) November 10, 1989 (age 35)
Plantation, Florida, U.S.
NASCAR Xfinity Series career
1 race run over 1 year
Car no., teamNo. 24 (Sam Hunt Racing)
First race2025 US Marine Corps 250 (Martinsville)
Wins Top tens Poles
0 0 0
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series career
3 races run over 2 years
Truck no., teamNo. 84 (Cook Racing Technologies)
2016 position77th
Best finish77th (2016)
First race2016 Ford EcoBoost 300 (Homestead)
Last race2025 Weather Guard Truck Race (Bristol)
Wins Top tens Poles
0 0 0
ARCA Menards Series career
4 races run over 2 years
ARCA no., teamNo. 25 (Venturini Motorsports)
No. 17 (Cook Racing Technologies)
Best finish114th (2015)
First race2015 Lucas Oil 200 (Daytona)
Last race2025 Tide 150 (Kansas)
Wins Top tens Poles
0 1 0
ARCA Menards Series East career
5 races run over 2 years
ARCA East no., teamNo. 25 (Venturini Motorsports)
Best finish28th (2014)
First race2014 New Smyrna 150 presented by JEGS (New Smyrna)
Last race2015 Drive Sober 125 (Dover)
Wins Top tens Poles
0 2 0
ARCA Menards Series West career
5 races run over 3 years
ARCA West no., teamNo. 25 (Venturini Motorsports)
Best finish29th (2014)
First race2013 Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts 150 (Spokane)
Last race2025 General Tire 150 (Phoenix)
First win2014 NAPA Auto Parts 150 (Irwindale)
Wins Top tens Poles
1 5 1
Statistics up to date as of May 12, 2025.

Patrick Charles Staropoli (born November 10, 1989) is an American retina surgeon and professional stock car racing driver. He competes part-time in multiple racing series for various racing teams, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series for the No. 24 Toyota GR Supra for Sam Hunt Racing, the NASCAR Truck Series for the No. 84 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for Cook Racing Technologies, and the ARCA Menards Series for the No. 25 Toyota Camry for Venturini Motorsports.

Born and raised in Plantation, Florida, Staropoli started competing in go-karts at the age of 13. Initially wanting to be a motorsports engineer, he switched interests to the medical field while studying at Harvard University. He continued to pursue both fields in auto racing and medicine after graduation, specializing in ophthalmology at the University of Miami. While at Miami, he continued to make periodical starts in NASCAR, including starts in the third-tier NASCAR Truck Series. After obtaining his master's degree, Staropoli continued to race periodically in late models in various series for eight years. In 2025, Staropoli returned to NASCAR after a nine-year absence.

Early life and family background

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Staropoli was born on November 10, 1989, in the town of Plantation, Florida, where he was raised.[1] He is the son of Nick Staropoli Jr. and Arlene Staropoli.[2] Staropoli was born alongside a sister named Devon.[3] He was educated at Plantation High School where he graduated in 2008 as the valedictorian of his class.[4][5] While attending Plantation High School, he was involved in numerous extracurriculars and activities. He was the vice president of the school's National Honor Society branch, competed in rocket competitions, and volunteered as a spokesman for an anti-drugs organization.[4][6][7]

After high school, he attended Harvard University, initially majoring in engineering in hopes of becoming a team engineer in NASCAR or Formula One.[4][8] However, he switched majors during his sophomore year, switching to neurobiology after attending a neurobiology panel.[8] He stated in a 2015 interview that the increased broadness of potential jobs in neurobiology appealed to him, causing him to switch.[8] While at Harvard, he joined a club at Harvard focused on conducting eye checks for poor communities.[8][9] Staropoli graduated from Harvard in 2012 with suma cum laude honors.[10]

Racing career

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Early racing career

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According to Staropoli, he was inspired since his childhood to go into racing, having attended races since he was six months old with both his father and grandfather being past racers.[3] When he was 13 years old, Staropoli started racing go-karts in Naples, Florida.[1][11] After a year, he moved into the Pure Stocks division, an entry stock car racing division.[1] He eventually moved into the Super Late Models division for his family race team after achieving straight As throughout his grade school years.[1][3]

2013–2024

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In 2013, Staropoli was invited to compete in the PEAK Stock Car Dream Challenge, a reality television show organized by NASCAR racing team Michael Waltrip Racing and its owner Michael Waltrip.[12] Out of 10 finalists, Staropoli won the show, winning a part-time ride in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series for Bill McAnally Racing.[3] He made his debut for the team in the fifth-tier NASCAR K&N Pro Series West at Spokane, finishing in fifth. The following year, Staropoli signed on for a five-race deal for Bill McAnally to race in both the East and West divisions.[13] In March of that year, he earned his first victory in the West Series, winning at Irwindale.[14] Staropoli earned one more top five in the 2014 West Series season,[15] and earned three top-tens in the East Series, with a best finish of sixth at Bristol.[16][17]

Starting in 2015, Staropoli faced a conflict between his medical school work at the University of Miami and his auto racing career. After a sponsorship deal failed to materialize in the winter of 2015, he took a brief hiatus from NASCAR to focus on medical school[18] after making his debut in the fourth-tier ARCA Racing Series at Daytona in February for Empire Racing.[19] He returned to racing that year in September for Bill McAnally,[20] retiring in both of his races at Richmond and Dover.[21] In 2016, Staropoli made his NASCAR debut in the third-tier NASCAR Truck Series at Homestead–Miami, finishing in 31st in a partnership entry between Young's Motorsports and SS-Green Light Racing.[22][23] From 2017 to 2024, Staropoli stepped out of NASCAR to focus on his medical career, occasionally racing in late model and modified divisions in his free time.[24]

2025

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As of May 2025, Staropoli races part-time in multiple series, including the fourth-tier ARCA Racing Series, the third-tier NASCAR Truck Series, and the second-tier NASCAR Xfinity Series for various racing teams.[25][26][27] He made his season debut in the ARCA Racing Series at Phoenix on March 7 for Venturini Motorsports, where he finished in eighth after recovering from a spin.[28][29] Three weeks later, Staropoli made his first start in the Truck Series in over nine seasons at Martinsville, finishing in 20th in a Cook Racing Technologies entry.[30] The day after his Martinsville start in the Truck Series, he made his debut in the Xfinity Series at Martinsville in an entry for Sam Hunt Racing, finishing in 16th.[31]

Non-racing ventures and personal life

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Outside of racing, Staropoli pursues a career in ophthalmology,[1][32] currently working as a retina surgeon at the Retina Consultants of Texas.[33] After graduating from Harvard in 2012, he attended the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami, graduating in 2017 with a MD.[34] According to Staropoli, he was inspired to enter the medicine field after witnessing a near-fatal racing accident that his father was involved in 2001 at Hialeah Speedway.[16] In 2024, Staropoli launched Driving to Fight Blindness, an awareness campaign focused on retinal diseases.[35] Speaking about his careers, he stated in an interview with WSVN, "I find that I think I’m a better race car driver because I’m a doctor. And the other way around: being a racecar driver makes me a better physician. I think the skills definitely translate."[36]

In 2010, Staropoli was diagnosed with coeliac disease.[5] Staropoli's favorite driver is Jeff Gordon, stating in the Sun Sentinel, "I'm the biggest Jeff Gordon fan... having people tell me my whole life that one day I would end up getting to race [in the Cup Series]. You half believed it, half dreamed it."[37]

Motorsports career results

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NASCAR

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(key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)

Xfinity Series

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NASCAR Xfinity Series results
Year Team No. Make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 NXSC Pts Ref
2025 Sam Hunt Racing 24 Toyota DAY ATL COA PHO LVS HOM MAR
16 		DAR BRI CAR TAL TEX CLT NSH MXC POC ATL
35 		CSC SON DOV IND IOW GLN DAY PIR GTW BRI KAN ROV LVS TAL MAR PHO -* -* [31]

Craftsman Truck Series

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NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series results
Year Team No. Make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 NCTC Pts Ref
2016 Young's Motorsports 07 Chevy DAY ATL MAR KAN DOV CLT TEX IOW GTW KEN ELD POC BRI MCH MSP CHI NHA LVS TAL MAR TEX PHO HOM
31 		77th 2 [38]
2025 Cook Racing Technologies 84 Toyota DAY ATL LVS HOM MAR
20 		BRI
29 		CAR TEX KAN NWS CLT NSH MCH POC LRP IRP GLN RCH DAR BRI NHA ROV TAL MAR PHO -* -* [30]

ARCA Menards Series

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(key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)

ARCA Menards Series results
Year Team No. Make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 AMSC Pts Ref
2015 Empire Racing 82 Ford DAY
21 		MOB NSH SLM TAL TOL NJE POC MCH CHI WIN IOW IRP POC BLN ISF DSF SLM KEN KAN 114th 125 [19]
2025 Venturini Motorsports 25 Toyota DAY PHO
8 		CLT
8 		MCH BLN ELK LRP DOV IRP IOW GLN ISF MAD DSF BRI SLM KAN TOL -* -* [28]
15 TAL
11
Cook Racing Technologies 17 Toyota KAN
22

ARCA Menards Series East

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ARCA Menards Series East results
Year Team No. Make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 AMSEC Pts Ref
2014 Bill McAnally Racing 99 Toyota NSM
11 		DAY
8 		BRI
6 		GRE RCH IOW BGS FIF LGY NHA COL IOW GLN VIR GRE DOV 28th 107 [17]
2015 NSM GRE BRI IOW BGS LGY COL NHA IOW GLN MOT VIR RCH
35 		DOV
24 		52nd 29 [21]
2025 Venturini Motorsports 25 Toyota FIF CAR
4 		NSV FRS DOV IRP IOW BRI -* -* [39]

ARCA Menards Series West

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ARCA Menards Series West results
Year Team No. Make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 AMSWC Pts Ref
2013 Bill McAnally Racing 99 Toyota PHO S99 BIR IOW L44 SON CNS IOW EVG SPO
5 		MMP SMP AAS
6 		KCR PHO 35th 77 [40]
2014 PHO IRW
1 		S99 IOW
3 		KCR SON SLS CNS IOW EVG KCR MMP AAS PHO 29th 88 [15]
2025 Venturini Motorsports 25 Toyota KER PHO
8 		TUC CNS KER SON TRI PIR AAS MAD LVS PHO -* -* [41]

* Season still in progress
1 Ineligible for series points

SMART Modified Tour

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SMART Modified Tour results
Year Car owner No. Make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 SMTC Pts Ref
2024 N/A 97 N/A FLO CRW SBO TRI ROU HCY FCS
9 		CRW JAC CAR CRW DOM SBO
7 		NWS 33rd 66 [42]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Cackett, Peter (August 2, 2024). "East Bound and Down: Patrick Staropoli". Eye News. Retrieved April 28, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ^ Landy, Kelly (September 4, 2005). "Teen racer follows family tradition behind wheel". Sun Sentinel. p. 16. Retrieved April 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) Open access icon
  3. ^ a b c d Mayo, Michael (July 13, 2014). "Driven". Sun Sentinel. pp. 14A, 15A, 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A. Retrieved April 29, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) Open access icon
  4. ^ a b c "Head Of The Class". Sun Sentinel. June 15, 2008. p. 22. Retrieved April 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) Open access icon
  5. ^ a b Potter, Steve (December 15, 2014). "Racer Patrick Staropoli strives for NASCAR". Harvard Magazine. Retrieved April 28, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ^ "Silver Knights Honorable Mentions". Miami Herald. May 11, 2008. p. 3B. Retrieved April 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) Open access icon
  7. ^ "Top Graduates of 2008". Miami Herald. June 15, 2008. p. 3B. Retrieved April 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) Open access icon
  8. ^ a b c d Massari, Paul (May 25, 2012). "Driving toward the future". Harvard Gazette. Retrieved April 28, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. ^ Gray, Ryan (March 29, 2017). "Time Management for a NASCAR Driving Medical Student". Medical School Headquarters. Retrieved April 30, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. ^ Radebaugh, Don (December 20, 2014). "Staropoli Leads Friday Afternoon Daytona ARCA Testing". Raceweek Illustrated. Retrieved April 28, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. ^ Landy, Kelly (September 4, 2005). "Teen racer follows family tradition behind wheel". Sun Sentinel. p. 16. Retrieved April 30, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) Open access icon
  12. ^ Fialkov, Harvey (August 9, 2013). "Driven in two directions". Sun Sentinel. pp. 1C, 4C. Retrieved April 30, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) Open access icon
  13. ^ Kroeger, Jordan (January 14, 2014). "Staropoli lands five-race deal". Sun Sentinel. pp. 1C, 2C. Retrieved April 30, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) Open access icon
  14. ^ Hollowell, Ed (March 24, 2014). "Staropoli Takes First K&N Series Win At NAPA 150". Racing Information Services. Retrieved April 30, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  15. ^ a b "Patrick Staropoli – 2014 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  16. ^ a b Cain, Holly (March 19, 2014). "Harvard grad, future doctor lives NASCAR dream". NASCAR. Retrieved May 1, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  17. ^ a b "Patrick Staropoli – 2014 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Series Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  18. ^ Mayo, Michael (February 1, 2015). "Racer chooses med school track, for now". Sun Sentinel. pp. 1B, 2B. Retrieved April 30, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) Open access icon
  19. ^ a b "Patrick Staropoli – 2015 ARCA Racing Series Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  20. ^ Cain, Holly (September 8, 2015). "Staropoli lands sponsor, continues NASCAR dream". NASCAR. Retrieved May 1, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  21. ^ a b "Patrick Staropoli – 2015 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Series Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  22. ^ Cote, Greg (November 17, 2016). "UM med student tries his luck racing trucks for fun". Miami Herald. pp. 1A, 2A. Retrieved April 30, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) Open access icon
  23. ^ Beard, Brock (November 20, 2016). "Trucks: Ryan Truex the lone retiree of Homestead finale". LASTCAR. Retrieved April 30, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  24. ^ Maggio, Mason; Mallozzi, Stephen; Starcevic, RJ (10 June 2025). The Motor Stardom Show with Patrick Staropoli | June 10th, 2025 (Video). Event occurs at 19:58. Retrieved 11 June 2025 – via YouTube.{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  25. ^ Rutherford, Kevin (March 3, 2025). "Patrick Staropoli Running Multiple ARCA Races for Venturini". Frontstretch. Retrieved April 29, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  26. ^ Quesinberry, Landon (March 19, 2025). "Patrick Staropoli Joins SHR for Part-Time Schedule". Frontstretch. Retrieved April 29, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  27. ^ Rutherford, Kevin (March 24, 2025). "Patrick Staropoli Running Partial Truck, ARCA Schedule With Cook". Frontstretch. Retrieved April 28, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  28. ^ a b "Patrick Staropoli – 2025 ARCA Menards Series Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  29. ^ Nix, Kevin (March 7, 2025). Patrick Staropoli, a Retina Surgeon, Scores Eighth-Place Finish in First ARCA Race Since 2015 (Video). Retrieved April 29, 2025 – via YouTube.{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  30. ^ a b "Patrick Staropoli – 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
  31. ^ a b "Patrick Staropoli – 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved March 29, 2025.
  32. ^ Hutton, David (May 21, 2024). "Ophthalmologist takes checkered flag in Sunoco Challenge Series race at Florida racetrack". Ophthalmology Times. Retrieved April 28, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  33. ^ Fenwick, Adam (March 5, 2025). "Patrick Staropoli, now a retina surgeon, returns to the driver's seat". ARCA Racing Series. Retrieved April 29, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  34. ^ "Patrick Staropoli, M.D. '17". University of Miami Alummi & Friends. Retrieved April 28, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  35. ^ Riddle, William (August 17, 2023). "Patrick Staropoli: Driving To Fight Blindness". Deez Lug Nutz (Podcast). Apple Podcasts. Event occurs at 56:29. Retrieved April 29, 2025.{{cite podcast}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  36. ^ Dipasquale, Mike (April 21, 2025). "NASCAR driver and South Florida native Patrick Staropoli is bringing his smooth expertise to the clinic and the racecar track". WSVN. Retrieved April 28, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  37. ^ Davis, Craig (November 15, 2016). "Med student goes truckin'". Sun Sentinel. pp. 1C, 3C. Retrieved April 30, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) Open access icon
  38. ^ "Patrick Staropoli – 2016 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  39. ^ "Patrick Staropoli – 2025 ARCA Menards Series East Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
  40. ^ "Patrick Staropoli – 2013 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  41. ^ "Patrick Staropoli – 2025 ARCA Menards Series West Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  42. ^ "Patrick Staropoli - 2024 Season Results - SMART Modified Tour Powered by Pace-O-Matic". The Third Turn. Retrieved April 21, 2025.
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