Inside Parker Kligerman’s Path to the Wawa 250 Win

Parker Kligerman’s triumph in the 2025 Wawa 250 at Daytona was a victory built on layers of strategy, resilience, and skill. Though the official record books credit Connor Zilisch as the race winner due to NASCAR’s start-to-finish driver rule, the story of the night belongs to Kligerman, who climbed behind the wheel as a relief driver and delivered a performance that will echo in NASCAR’s history. Daytona chaos, a bold team strategy, and flawless execution carried the No. 88 Chevrolet to glory.

Key Highlights

• Parker Kligerman took over mid-race from injured Connor Zilisch and drove the No. 88 to victory

• The driver swap was planned after Zilisch’s collarbone injury at Watkins Glen two weeks earlier

• Kligerman survived late-race wrecks, led 12 laps, and controlled both overtime attempts

• JR Motorsports placed three cars in the top three, showcasing organizational dominance at Daytona

• The win symbolizes redemption for Kligerman and preserves Zilisch’s championship lead

Strategic Relief and Driver Swap

The roots of this win go back to Watkins Glen, where Connor Zilisch fractured his collarbone while celebrating in Victory Lane. Racing at Daytona was a medical risk, but every point mattered in the championship hunt. The solution was unusual: Zilisch would start, quickly drop back, and hand the car to Kligerman at the first caution. This guaranteed Zilisch the points while placing a healthy, experienced driver in control for the remaining distance.

“We practiced switching in and out of the car throughout the week in order to pull off the swap as quick as possible.” – Parker Kligerman

“I didn’t want to chance further injury to my collarbone; Parker was ready, and we trusted he could get the job done.” – Connor Zilisch

The handover went exactly as rehearsed. Kligerman took the wheel in Stage 1, starting from the back, and set the tone for what became one of the most remarkable relief-driving wins in modern NASCAR.

Superspeedway Skill and Execution

Daytona demands courage, instincts, and drafting mastery. Kligerman proved he had all three. Avoiding the chaos that swallowed others, he pushed the No. 88 forward with precision. A multi-car wreck with four laps to go reshuffled the deck, yet Kligerman stayed composed.
NASCAR analyst Joseph Srigley posted on social media during the event:

“Kligerman remains on the lead-lap and will have to drop to the rear for this restart.” – Joseph Srigley

From the rear, Kligerman carved through the field, executing perfect timing and holding off experienced superspeedway racers like Justin Allgaier and Sammy Smith. Leading both overtime restarts, he never faltered. Twelve laps at the front in Daytona’s cauldron can feel like a lifetime, but Kligerman’s focus never wavered.

Adaptation and Team Strength

This win was not without hurdles. Zilisch’s medical clearance only came days before the race, forcing JR Motorsports to prepare multiple contingency plans. The swap itself required flawless choreography, with crew members assisting both drivers to minimize lost time. Kligerman also had to adapt quickly to a car set up for someone else.

“It was gratifying. I’ve come close before, but this time the car was good, the team was dialed in, and we stuck to our plan.” – Parker Kligerman

Pit work was equally vital. Each stop was crisp, keeping Kligerman in contention as fuel and tire strategies became crucial. JR Motorsports reinforced its strength by finishing one-two-three with Sammy Smith and Justin Allgaier behind Kligerman, underscoring the dominance of the program. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s fingerprints were on the night, from orchestrating the driver swap to motivating his team for precision execution.

“We knew Parker could do this. Our cars were fast, and our plan worked perfectly.” – Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Redemption and the Final-Lap Chaos

For Kligerman, this night marked a form of redemption. Years ago, he had a Daytona Truck Series win stripped after inspection, leaving a painful void. Now, as a part-time driver and full-time broadcaster, he finally claimed victory in one of NASCAR’s most chaotic proving grounds.

“It feels so good to finally bring it home at Daytona. To be the one behind the wheel, in the right moment, for this team—it’s a memory I’ll never forget.” – Parker Kligerman

The closing laps brought Daytona’s trademark unpredictability. As the field scrambled for position, a massive wreck erupted behind Kligerman in overtime. NASCAR froze the field, locking the No. 88 in first. Drivers like Austin Hill, once contending for the win, were left in the wreckage. Harrison Burton, battling mechanical troubles throughout, salvaged 16th. For Kligerman, the chaos only cemented the night as one of focus, poise, and execution under pressure.

News in Brief: Inside Parker Kligerman’s Path to the Wawa 250 Win

Parker Kligerman powered the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet to victory in the 2025 Wawa 250 at Daytona after an unprecedented relief-driver swap with Connor Zilisch. Zilisch, recovering from a collarbone injury, started the race before handing off at the first caution. Kligerman survived multiple wrecks, led 12 laps, and held on through overtime to deliver JR Motorsports a sweep of the top three. Zilisch remains credited with the win, boosting his championship campaign.

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