Patrick Staropoli, a 35-year-old retina surgeon, will make his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut next weekend at Martinsville Speedway as he’ll drive the No. 24 Toyota GR Supra for Sam Hunt Racing. The Martinsville race will be part of a multi-race deal between Staropoli and the SHR team.
Staropoli will carry primary sponsorship from SYFOVRE (pegcetacoplan injection) on his race car. The surgeon who is also a race car driver is excited for the opportunity to compete with the Sam Hunt Racing team.
“It’s a dream come true to make my NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Martinsville Speedway,” said Staropoli in a press release. “Really thankful to Sam Hunt for this opportunity and all the work the team is putting in so we can take a fast No. 24 Syfovre GR Supra to the racetrack.”
Staropoli opened the eyes of many a few weeks ago when he captured a top-10 finish in the ARCA Menards Series event at Phoenix Raceway driving for Venturini Motorsports. Staropoli, who was competing in his first ARCA Menards Series start in 10 years, came home with a solid eighth-place result.
Sam Hunt Racing’s team owner Sam Hunt can’t wait to see what Staropoli is capable of next weekend.
“Our entire team is excited to work with Patrick and give him the shot he’s been working towards for so long. He’s an incredible person, extremely smart, and genuinely deserving of this opportunity” said Hunt. “Our team is ready to embrace the challenge, and Patrick is working hard to be as prepared as possible for his debut in Martinsville. We’re also excited to welcome Apellis/Syfovre to the Sam Hunt Racing family, and grateful for their support of this program.”
The remainder of Staropoli’s 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule with the Sam Hunt Racing team was not made available with Wednesday afternoon’s announcement and will be revealed at a later date.
While he had been out of the ARCA/NASCAR world for quite some time, Staropoli did pick up an ARCA Menards Series West (then NASCAR K&N Pro Series West) event at Irwindale Speedway. Staropoli has a career average finish of 7.0 in five career West Series starts.
The US Marine Corps 250 at Martinsville Speedway is set for Saturday, March 29. That race will be televised on The CW with coverage beginning at 5:00 PM ET.
