Despite a recent injury, Connor Zilisch will compete at Daytona International Speedway on Friday in the Wawa 250 as Austin Hill carries the Austin Hill top odds NASCAR Xfinity status for the anticipated race. The event marks an important moment in the Xfinity Series, with Zilisch’s determination tested and sportsbook attention turning to the frontrunners just weeks before the season’s conclusion.
Zilisch Perseveres After Injury to Maintain Points Lead
Connor Zilisch, who leads the drivers’ standings in his rookie season, is set to race less than two weeks after breaking his collarbone while celebrating his win at Watkins Glen. The young driver experienced the setback after falling off his car, yet he remains focused on the championship hunt with three regular-season events left on the NASCAR Xfinity circuit. Despite having to drive with a healing bone injury, Zilisch leads rivals Justin Allgaier by seven points and Sam Mayer by 42 points, maintaining a slim but crucial margin as the competition tightens.
Medical challenges have not swayed betting odds for Zilisch’s Daytona performance. According to the BetOnline Sportsbook, Zilisch holds the third-best odds to win at +1000, while Austin Hill leads the field with the top odds at +275, spotlighting him as the favorite for the Wawa 250 showdown.
“According to a release from @JRMotorsports, Connor Zilisch will be back in the No. 88 this weekend at Daytona. He underwent surgery on his broken collarbone just over a week ago. pic.twitter.com/wY9Jq8OAcB”
— John Newby, Reporter
O’Reilly Auto Parts to Become NASCAR Series Sponsor in 2026
Big changes are on the horizon for the circuit, as Xfinity will end its eleven-year run as the series’ title sponsor after this season. O’Reilly Auto Parts has finalized a multi-year agreement with NASCAR and will take over as the primary sponsor beginning in 2026. The newly named NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will officially launch on January 1, ushering in a fresh period for stock car racing while maintaining a connection to the series’ American roots.
“Like the great sport of NASCAR, O’Reilly Auto Parts was born in America and built on the hard work and drive of passionate people,”
— Steve O’Donnell, President
“This new partnership allows us to continue to fuel that passion for the next generation of NASCAR’s stars and fans while celebrating the journey we’ve been on together for decades.”
— Steve O’Donnell, President
Wawa 250 Odds Spotlight Austin Hill
The upcoming Wawa 250 Powered By Coca-Cola has captured attention from fans and oddsmakers alike. BetOnline Sportsbook lists Austin Hill with the best odds at +275, making him the favorite on the legendary 2.5-mile track at Daytona. Connor Zilisch remains a top contender per betting forecasts, as he is given a strong chance despite his recovery from surgery. Justin Allgaier, Sam Mayer, and other notable drivers are expected to make the race highly competitive, with late-season positioning likely impacting postseason storylines.
Ahead of the Wawa 250, fans are watching closely to see if Zilisch’s resilience will keep him ahead in the standings and whether Austin Hill can deliver on being the oddsmakers’ top pick during this crucial phase of the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
