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Kligerman Takes Checkered at Daytona After Planned Swap as Zilisch Is Official Xfinity Winner

JR Motorsports prioritized Connor Zilisch’s recovery by starting him for points before a first‑caution relief swap.

Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Registix Chevrolet, slips and falls off his car in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Mission 200 at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 09, 2025 in Watkins Glen, New York.
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Credit: AUGUST 22: Parker Kligerman celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Wawa 250 Powered By Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway on August 22, 2025. Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images.
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Overview

  • With qualifying canceled by weather, Connor Zilisch started from pole, dropped to the rear due to a recent collarbone surgery, and executed a preplanned exit.
  • An early rain caution on Lap 13/14 enabled a rehearsed driver change, with Parker Kligerman taking over the No. 88 without losing a lap.
  • Kligerman drove to an overtime finish and celebrated in Victory Lane, while NASCAR rules credited Zilisch, as the starter, with the win and championship points.
  • JR Motorsports locked out the podium with Sammy Smith second and Justin Allgaier third, marking a 1‑2‑3 finish for the team.
  • Post‑race, Allgaier held a three‑point lead over Zilisch in the regular‑season standings, as team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. emphasized safeguarding Zilisch’s long‑term health after full medical clearance.