Kligerman takes the wheel as Zilisch protects his injured collarbone

Parker Kligerman took the victory on Friday, although Connor Zilisch will be credited as the official winner of the NASCAR Xfinity Series' Wawa 250. The driver change occurred on lap 13 under a yellow flag, when Zilisch decided to hand over the wheel of the No. 88 Chevrolet from JR Motorsports to protect his fractured collarbone sustained two weeks ago at Watkins Glen.

Kligerman drove the next 91 laps to complete the total 104 in overtime. The race ended under a yellow flag due to a 13-car multi-car accident in turn 4, which sealed the seventh seasonal victory for Zilisch in the rookie championship.

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Zilisch Ties Christopher Bell's Historic Record

With this victory, Zilisch ties Christopher Bell for the record of most wins by a rookie in the history of the NASCAR Xfinity Series with seven. Zilisch had suffered the collarbone fracture during Victory Lane celebrations at Watkins Glen, which forced him to seek a relief driver for Daytona.

"I hate the circumstances for Connor. He's an incredible generational talent. I'm honored to have gotten the call to fill the seat he's been in, that Kyle Larson has been in," stated Kligerman after the race.

JR Motorsports Scores a Sweep

The team owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. completed the top three positions with Zilisch officially first, Sammy Smith second, and Justin Allgaier third. This is the second time in 2025 that Zilisch has watched his car win from the pit lane, as Kyle Larson had scored a victory driving the No. 88 at Texas Motor Speedway after Zilisch's accident at Talladega.

Allgaier regained the championship lead thanks to his fifth place in the first stage and the win in the second stage. He now holds a four-point lead over Zilisch heading into the event on August 30th at Portland International Raceway.

Burton Leads Cousin in Playoff Battle

The battle for the final playoff spot between cousins Harrison Burton and Jeb Burton had several chapters during the race. Harrison Burton suffered a spin on lap 10 after contact with Matt DiBenedetto, losing two laps but recovering one as the beneficiary under the rain-induced yellow flag on lap 12.

Jeb Burton added two points with his ninth-place finish in the first stage, but his luck changed on lap 20 when contact with Smith's car triggered a six-car accident. Both cousins were involved in the multi-car accident on lap 97, with Harrison finishing 16th and Jeb 20th.

Harrison Burton maintains a 36-point lead over his cousin for the final playoff spot with two races remaining in the regular season.

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Ryan Sieg Leads Most Laps But Falls Out

Ryan Sieg led 19 laps, more than any other driver, but his day ended in the lap 97 accident. He finished 31st and now finds himself 56 points below the playoff cutline.

Jesse Love finished fourth, followed by Sam Mayer, Brandon Jones, Dean Thompson, Garrett Smithley, Brennan Poole, and Carson Kvapil completing the top 10.

Results - NASCAR Xfinity Series Wawa 250 Daytona International Speedway