The record books will show Connor Zilisch won the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Friday night. The photos from Victory Lane will show Parker Kligerman holding the trophy.
Kligerman, who is also a TV analyst and pit reporter, took over for the injured Zilisch on Lap 14 and drove his No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet to victory. The driver exchange was needed as Zilisch is still recovering from a broken collar bone suffered in the Winner’s Circle two weeks ago at Watkins Glen.
First for Kligerman, Ninth for JR Motorsports
This is the first time Kligerman has raced his way to victory in an NXS race in 122 previous starts.
“This is different in every way because I didn’t expect to get a call from Dale Jr,” Kligerman said to The CW Network in Victory Lane. “I was leaving to go on vacation and they called and said, ‘Hey man, would you come drive this thing?’
“I hate the circumstances for Connor and I feel honored to have gotten the call. Thank you to Justin Allgaier, he was a real teammate – we go way back. He and Sammy Smith gave me some big pushes at the end. It’s a great testament to this team.
“For me, this is such a me thing that this (win) will not be on Racing Reference (website) at all. I’m still going to count it as a win; I’m going to take the checkered flag. (laughs)
“This is just really cool to do it with a guy (Dale Jr) who younger me never thought I’d even get to speak with, let alone drive one of his race cars. This is unbelievable.”
Through those previous starts, Kligerman earned 23 top-five and 53 top-10 finishes. This was JRM’s ninth series win at Daytona, and it was a 1-2-3 finish for the team with Sammy Smith finishing second and Austin Allgaier third.
Zilisch Gets Credit for Win
Per the NASCAR rules, as long as a driver starts the race and another is substituted mid-race, the original driver gets credit for the finish. After the race, Zilisch shared his thoughts on watching from the pit box as Kligerman won giving the injured driver seven wins this year.
“I’m okay watching him win in this car,” he shared with The CW Network. “I’ve been a fan of Parker for a long time. I’m really proud of this No. 88 team. I’m glad I got to start the race and get the points for my team to continue the Playoff chase.
“I wish I could say I’m not happy, but I’m really happy.”
Driver Exchange was Planned
Once both Zilisch’s doctors and NASCAR cleared him to compete at Daytona, the JRM team and driver came up with a strategy. At stake was preserving Zilisch’s points lead and top spot in the Playoff standings by him starting the race. The plan was to put Kligerman in at the earliest chance possible. A caution flag for rain brought that opportunity and the practiced driver exchange took place.
There are two NXS races remaining before the championship quest begins for the qualified drivers. They compete in Portland (OR) International Raceway next Saturday night. Then, the final race before the Playoffs start is at World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis the following Saturday evening.
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