JR MOTORSPORTS GOES 1-2-3 AT DAYTONA FOR THE WAWA 250

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The record book will list Connor Zilisch as the winner of the Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway.

But it was part-timer Parker Kligerman who did the heavy lifting in Friday night’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race, driving the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet to victory in relief of the 19-year-old prodigy.

With Zilisch determined to protect the collarbone he broke in a fall in Victory Lane two weeks ago at Watkins Glen, Kligerman got behind the wheel in a driver switch under caution on Lap 13.

From that point through an overtime that took the race to Lap 104, Kligerman drove a masterful race. His victory was welcome consolation for a heart-wrenching loss at Daytona in February, when Kligerman was first to the finish line in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event but suffered a disqualification for a ride-height infraction.

“It’s different in every way, because I didn’t expect to get a call from (team owner) Dale (Earnhardt) Jr. on the day I was leaving for vacation, saying ‘Hey, man, would you come drive this thing?’” Kligerman said. “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, that Kyle Larson’s been in. … For me, it’s such a ‘me’ thing that this will not be on Racing Reference at all.”

After the overtime restart on Lap 103, Zilisch got a strong push from teammate and eventual third-place finisher Justin Allgaier. He controlled the final two circuits until a massive 13-car wreck in Turn 4 ended the race under caution. With Sammy Smith running second, JR Motorsports enjoyed a 1-2-3 finish.

It was the second time this season Zilisch watched his car win a race. After a hard crash at Talladega in April, Zilisch sat out the subsequent race at Texas Motor Speedway, with Larson winning in the No. 88.

But on this Friday night, Zilisch ran from the pit box to the frontstretch to congratulate Kligerman. The drivers shared a delicate hug, with Kligerman mindful of Zilisch’s surgically repaired collarbone, which is still on the mend.

“It’s weird,” Zilisch said. “It was really weird the last time I did it, and I never thought I’d have to do it again. … But I love Parker. I’ve been a fan of Parker for a long time. He’s another one I’m OK watching win inside my race car.

“I’m glad that I got to start the race and get the points for my team.”