“Money over talent”: Fans react as Big Machine Racing makes major driver announcement for 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly

Big Machine Racing has confirmed its full-time driver for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and the decision has drawn an immediate reaction from fans. The team announced that Dr. Patrick Staropoli will take over the No. 48 Chevrolet beginning with the season opener at Daytona, following Nick Sanchez’s departure.

Sanchez exits the Big Machine lineup after a productive rookie campaign in the 2025 Xfinity Series. He earned one win, recorded 12 top-10 finishes, and qualified for the playoffs. Despite that progress, Sanchez confirmed earlier that he would not return to the No. 48 for 2026.

Big Machine has now filled that seat with Patrick Staropoli, a board-certified retina surgeon who has raced part-time across NASCAR’s national divisions. The team shared the announcement on X:

“Patrick Staropoli competing full time for Big Machine Racing in 2026”

Fans were critical of the move, with several pointing to Nick Sanchez’s results and upside. One X user wrote:

“Money over talent… Can’t believe we let a talent like Nick Sanchez leave the RCR alliance…”

The response reflects frustration over Sanchez’s exit rather than Staropoli personally, with many supporters noting that Sanchez had shown clear growth in his first full Xfinity season. Others echoed the sentiment.

Sanchez, for his part, thanked Big Machine publicly and said he was “excited about what’s ahead,” though he did not announce his next destination.

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Big Machine Racing all set to line up with Patrick Staropoli in 2026

#48 Big Machine Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at WWT Raceway. Source: Getty

Patrick Staropoli brings an unconventional resume to the No. 48 Big Machine Racing Chevrolet. He is a third-generation driver from Plantation, Florida, and first gained attention for winning the 2013 PEAK Stock Car Dream Challenge. It earned him a development role with Michael Waltrip Racing.

Staropoli competed in the ARCA West Series with Bill McAnally Racing and became the first medical doctor to win a NASCAR-sanctioned race with his victory at Irwindale Speedway in 2014. He has balanced his medical career with limited NASCAR starts in recent seasons, running four Xfinity Series races in 2025, with Sam Hunt Racing in the No. 24.

Crew chief and team manager Patrick Donahue addressed the decision in the team’s statement.

“We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Patrick Staropoli to the #48 Big Machine Racing team for the 2026 season,” he said.

Staropoli will pilot the No. 48 SYFOVRE Chevrolet, using the platform to raise awareness for Geographic Atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration, tying his medical work directly into the program’s mission.

While Big Machine Racing has finalized its 2026 driver, the wider silly season remains active. Several competitive O’Reilly Auto Parts Series teams still have openings, leaving Nick Sanchez with realistic options as the grid continues to take shape.

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Edited by Riddhiman Sarkar