The Xfinity Series returned to Daytona for a Friday night race packed with excitement, chaos, and dramatic drafting battles. With 100 laps on the board, drivers were jockeying for position from the opening green flag. Connor Zilisch, injured and unable to race, had his No. 88 car driven by Parker Kligerman, who made a remarkable run from the start. Sammy Smith moved to the inside on the front row, with Sam Mayer on the outside, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle that lasted the entire night.
Key Highlights
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Parker Kligerman drove the No. 88 car for Connor Zilisch, who was sidelined due to injury.
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Sammy Smith moved to the front early, while Sam Mayer and Austin Hill engaged in intense drafting battles.
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Multiple drivers, including Matt DeBenedetto, Jeb Burton, and Dean Thompson, were involved in early-stage chaos.
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Stage two featured heavy lane disruptions, side drafting, and aggressive three-wide battles.
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Parker Kligerman surged late, aided by key pushes from competitors, to claim the checkered flag.
Early Race Drama and Stage One Chaos
The race started with fierce competition on both the inside and outside lanes. Sam Mayer received a strong push from Austin Hill on the outside, while Sammy Smith led the inside. NASCAR’s drafting rules added extra pressure, requiring drivers to release the car in front by the backstretch to prevent penalties. Despite this, contact was unavoidable.
Stage one ended with sparks flying as multiple drivers went out of line. Matt DeBenedetto, after moving from 33rd to fourth, was a key player in early chaos. Jeb Burton made contact with Carson Hocevar, Dean Thompson experienced issues, and other drivers struggled through traffic. The caution at the end of the stage reflected the high-risk nature of Daytona racing, with aggressive driving leading to dramatic consequences.
Mid-Race Battles and Stage Two Strategy
Stage two opened with more drafting intensity. Justin Haley led early, with Jesse Love, Jeb Burton, and Sammy Smith battling for position. Lane disruptions caused by blocking and side drafting forced drivers to adapt constantly. Sam Mayer, caught in three-wide traffic, had to check up multiple times to avoid collisions. Meanwhile, Parker Kligerman and Ryan Sieg worked the low lane, demonstrating the importance of teamwork and strategic pushes in keeping momentum.
The low-lane strategy proved effective. Crews and spotters guided drivers through the chaos, especially first-time winners seeking their breakthrough. Sheldon Creed and Ryan Sieg delivered strong runs but could not convert them into a victory. The stage underscored the challenges of Daytona’s tight drafting rules and the importance of timing, positioning, and coordination with spotters.
Late-Race Chaos and Multi-Car Incidents
As the race neared its final laps, tensions escalated. Taylor Gray, Jeremy Clements, Josh Bilicki, Joey Gase, and Carson Hocevar were all caught up in incidents that prompted multiple cautions. Drivers struggled to navigate spinning and out-of-line cars, while Parker Kligerman and Sammy Smith made calculated moves up front.
Three-wide action defined the closing laps, with Kligerman using his momentum and strategic pushes from Smith and others to advance. Despite crashes behind him, Kligerman maintained control and composure, showing not only skill but also a clear understanding of Daytona’s drafting dynamics and how to capitalize on the chaos.
Parker Kligerman’s Stunning Victory
In the final laps, Parker Kligerman emerged as the clear leader. The combination of well-timed pushes, low-lane strategy, and quick reactions to on-track incidents gave him a decisive advantage. Sammy Smith played a critical role in assisting Kligerman during key moments, helping him navigate through the congestion of the final laps.
Kligerman’s checkered flag was a remarkable achievement, marking a victorious night in the No. 88 car for Connor Zilisch. It highlighted his adaptability, skill under pressure, and ability to thrive in superspeedway conditions, leaving fans thrilled by a classic Daytona Xfinity showdown.
News in Brief: Daytona 2025 Xfinity Highlights
The Daytona Xfinity race reaffirmed why superspeedways produce some of NASCAR’s most unpredictable and thrilling events. From early-stage chaos to late-race drafting battles and three-wide action, fans witnessed a masterclass in strategy, skill, and resilience. Parker Kligerman’s victory in the No. 88 car for Connor Zilisch will be remembered as a standout performance, proving the excitement, risk, and unpredictability that define Daytona racing at its best.
ALSO READ: Fans React to Connor Zilisch’s Hospital Update After Watkins Glen Mishap
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Parker Kligerman won an Xfinity race?
A. Relief driver Parker Kligerman secured the Daytona Xfinity victory for Connor Zilisch and JR Motorsports.
Q. What is Parker Kligerman’s career?
A. Parker Lindsley Kligerman (born August 8, 1990) is an American semi-retired professional stock car racing driver. He also works as a color commentator for NASCAR on The CW, a studio analyst for NASCAR on TNT Sports, and a pit reporter for NASCAR on NBC. Kligerman competes part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. truck.
