Parker Kligerman drove the No. 88 to Victory Lane at Daytona, but the win goes to Connor Zilisch.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL, USA —In a finish so chaotic and unpredictable, it could only happen under the lights at Daytona; Parker Kligerman crossed the finish line first in Friday night’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race.
But in a bizarre twist that has everyone in the garage talking, the official win—and the coveted playoff spot—goes to Connor Zilisch, the driver who started the race.
The victory, a product of a dramatic relief-driver change and a massive last-lap wreck, marks a memorable chapter in the 2025 season.
The story began before the green flag even waved. Young phenom Connor Zilisch, who had broken his collarbone in a victory lane fall two weeks ago at Watkins Glen, bravely started the race in his No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet to earn driver points.
The plan, masterminded by team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr., was to have part-time driver and NASCAR analyst Parker Kligerman take over the car under the first caution. That moment came on Lap 13, and the swap was executed flawlessly, setting the stage for one of the most unique wins in recent NASCAR history.
A Wreck-Filled Race Culminates in an Overtime Thriller
Daytona is known for its “Big Ones”, and this race was no exception. The 104-lap event was marred by several multi-car incidents, but none as impactful as the one on the final lap of overtime.
With Kligerman leading the pack, a massive 13-car pileup erupted behind him on the backstretch, sealing his victory under caution.
“I didn’t expect to get a call from Dale Jr. on the day I was leaving for vacation,” a jubilant Kligerman said in Victory Lane. “I hate the circumstances for Connor. He’s an amazing generational talent. I feel honored to have gotten the call to grace the seat that he’s been in.”
The win was a form of redemption for Kligerman, who was the first to cross the finish line in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona in February but was later disqualified.
While he won’t be credited with the official win, he’ll still take the chequered flag and the immense satisfaction of a masterful drive.
A 1-2-3 Finish and a Playoff Shakeup
The dramatic final moments resulted in a stunning 1-2-3 finish for JR Motorsports. Sammy Smith, who led for several laps throughout the night, finished second, followed by teammate Justin Allgaier in third.
Allgaier’s strong run was enough to secure the regular-season points lead, moving him three points ahead of Zilisch with just one race remaining before the playoffs.
The chaos also had a significant impact on the playoff bubble. Drivers like Ryan Sieg and Jeb Burton, who were on the cusp of the playoff picture, were caught in the late-race carnage, leaving them with an even larger deficit to make up in the final regular-season race at Portland.
Ultimately, while the record books will show Connor Zilisch with his seventh win of the season, a career-high for a rookie, everyone who watched the race knows who truly drove it to Victory Lane.
Parker Kligerman’s gutsy performance under pressure, his seamless transition into the car, and his ability to navigate the late-race chaos at Daytona will be the story remembered for years to come.
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