NASCAR Suspends Substantial Machine Racing Crew Members Following Ballast Issue

DAYTONA, FL – March 19, 2026 – NASCAR has issued suspensions to three members of the Big Machine Racing team following a discovery of a technical infraction on the No. 48 Chevrolet driven by Patrick Staropoli. The penalties stem from a violation regarding loose or separated ballast during a recent inspection.

Suspension Details

Crew chief Patrick Donahue, car chief Dillon Bassett, and engineer Morgan Olsen will each serve a four-race suspension. The suspensions will be enforced during upcoming NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races at Darlington, Martinsville, Rockingham, and Bristol. They are eligible to return to the team following the race at Kansas on April 18.

Impact on Championship Standings

Despite the penalty, Patrick Staropoli currently holds the 16th position in the championship standings. He has achieved finishes of 18th, 13th, 20th, 26th, and 21st in the first five races of the season. Patrick Staropoli drives the No. 48 Big Machine Racing Chevrolet.

Other Inspections

During the same inspection period, the cars of Erik Jones (#42 Legacy Motor Club Toyota) and Christopher Bell (#20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota) were also sent to the NASCAR Research and Development Center for further examination. Although, both vehicles were cleared and found to be compliant with regulations.

Staropoli’s Background

Patrick Staropoli, born November 10, 1989, is a unique figure in NASCAR, balancing a career as a retina surgeon with his passion for stock car racing. Staropoli competes full-time in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for Big Machine Racing, and has also raced in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series. He began his racing career in move-karts at the age of 13. Staropoli is a graduate of Harvard University.