NASCAR Driver and Eye Surgeon Patrick Staropoli Combines Speed and Sight
MIAMI (WSVN) — Clear vision is critical when racing at nearly 200 miles per hour, and no one knows that better than South Florida native Patrick Staropoli — a man who’s both a NASCAR driver and an eye surgeon.
Nicknamed “Dr. Speed,” Staropoli seamlessly blends his two passions: medicine and motorsports.
“At the track, people ask me about surgeries and clinic work. In the office, patients are curious about my latest race,” said Staropoli.
The Plantation native started racing go-karts as a child and progressed to short-track competitions across Florida in his 20s. About a decade ago, he attended the University of Miami for medical school and later earned his ophthalmology degree at Harvard.
Balancing two demanding careers requires exceptional time management, something Staropoli credits to the support of his medical and racing teams.
Now competing in three of NASCAR’s four national series, Patrick has 15 races lined up this season, with his sights set on racing full-time in the prestigious Cup Series.
“I truly believe being a doctor makes me a better driver — and vice versa,” he said. “Both require precision and smooth control, whether it’s with surgical tools or a steering wheel.”
At 35, Staropoli often finds himself giving impromptu medical advice at the track, sometimes even trading eye exams for race strategy insights.
He uses his unique platform to raise awareness for medical causes and enjoys having conversations with his team that go beyond racing.
Last Saturday, he placed fourth in the ARCA 125 at Rockingham. This weekend, he’ll take on Talladega for the first time — one of NASCAR’s fastest and most chaotic tracks.
