Connor Zilisch injury recovery update: After a recent accident at Watkins Glen International, JR Motorsports driver Connor Zilisch has been cleared to race at Daytona International Speedway this Friday, less than two weeks after breaking his collarbone. With his quick recovery confirmed, Zilisch is set to defend his lead in the Xfinity Series points, although JR Motorsports will keep a backup driver on standby just in case.
Rapid Recovery Paves Way for Daytona Return
Two weekends ago, Connor Zilisch fell from his car during a post-race celebration at Watkins Glen International, initially raising fears of serious injury. NASCAR fans were relieved to find out he did not sustain any head injuries, but Zilisch did suffer a fractured collarbone requiring surgery. This led to concerns about how long he would be unable to compete in the Xfinity Series, given that typical recovery for a broken collarbone, especially in young adults, can take several weeks.
Defying expectations and aggressive rehabilitation timelines, the 19-year-old has been medically cleared to participate in the upcoming Wawa 250 at Daytona International Speedway. This comes as the Xfinity Series returns to action following a break while the Cup Series and Truck Series competed at Richmond Raceway.
Precautionary Standby Driver for JR Motorsports
Although Zilisch will start the race on Friday night at the famed four-turn, 2.5-mile superspeedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, JR Motorsports has arranged for Parker Kligerman to be available as a standby driver. If Zilisch needs to step out mid-race due to discomfort or complications, Kligerman will take over driving duties in the No. 88 Chevrolet.
Because Zilisch will take the green flag, any points earned, regardless of who finishes the race, will be credited to him. This protocol could create a rare scenario where Kligerman, who has yet to win at the Xfinity level, might cross the finish line first but not receive official credit for the victory according to series rules.
Kligerman’s Superspeedway Experience
Parker Kligerman brings proven superspeedway skills, boasting recent fourth and third place finishes in the summer Xfinity Series events at Daytona while driving for Big Machine Racing. Earlier this year, he claimed victory in the Truck Series opener at Daytona, though the result was overturned following a disqualification. Notably, two of Kligerman’s three official Truck Series wins have come at superspeedways, both achieved at Talladega Superspeedway.
Zilisch’s Season Performance and Standing
Zilisch’s resilience this season has been notable. Despite crashing out in the Daytona Xfinity Series opener and missing the Texas Motor Speedway race in May due to a back injury suffered at Talladega the previous week, he currently leads the series in points. Since his return, Zilisch has delivered impressive consistency with 11 top-five finishes in as many starts, notching victories in five events—four of which have come in the last five races. His outstanding average finish during this period is 2.18, and he leads the field with six wins and a season-high 36 playoff points.
Looking Ahead to the Wawa 250 at Daytona
The Wawa 250 at Daytona International Speedway is scheduled for this Friday night, just 13 days after Zilisch’s surgery—a rapid comeback for a significant injury. The race, which consists of 100 laps around the historic high-banked oval, will air live on the CW Network at 7:30 p.m. ET. It marks a crucial opportunity for Zilisch to continue his dominant run in the Xfinity Series and add to his growing tally of wins and playoff points, with fans and competitors alike keenly watching to see how he fares after his injury.
As the series leader, Connor Zilisch’s swift recovery and return could have a substantial impact on the Xfinity Series championship picture, and the presence of Parker Kligerman as a backup highlights JR Motorsports’ commitment to safeguarding both the team’s and driver‘s interests. With the next chapter of the series about to unfold at Daytona, all eyes will be on Zilisch and the No. 88 team throughout the Wawa 250.
