DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – In relief for Connor Zilisch, Parker Kligerman placed the JR Motorsports No. 88 WeatherTech Chevrolet in Victory Lane after winning the Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway.

Zilisch made it to the first caution of the night that came out on Lap 13, but he climb from his car and handed over the reins to relief driver, Kligerman. Zilisch is recovering from a collarbone injury from when he fell from his car celebrating in Victory Lane at Watkins Glen International.

“It’s different in every way because I didn’t expect to get a call from Dale Jr. on the day I was leaving to go on vacation and say, ‘Hey man, would you come drive this thing’,” Kligerman said. “Obviously, I hate the circumstances for Connor. He’s an amazing generational talent, and I feel honored to have gotten the call to grace the seat that he’s been in. That Kyle Larson has been in. I knew that I would have to hold up my end of the bargain.”

Kligerman, whose NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series truck failed post-race technical inspection in the season opener at Daytona, made his way through the field and took command of the race with 10 laps remaining.

On the final lap, JR Motorsports teammate, Sammy Smith pushed Kligerman way out in front of the field out of Turn 2 and onto the backstretch. As Kligerman made his way out of Turn 4, the caution came out for a huge crash, and he was declared the race winner. Although Zilisch will get official credit for the win, the effort marked the first time Kligerman crossed the finish line first in the series.

“Thank you to Justin Allgaier; he was a real teammate. We go way back. That meant a lot, and Sammy Smith at the end, gave us a great push, so that helped a ton. Great testament to this team. The 88 team which has been on fire all year, but for me, it’s such a me thing that will not be on Racing-Reference at all.”

Due to Zilisch starting the race, he is credited with the win. Although it was a strange experience for the 19-year-old, he was proud of his JR Motorsports team.

“It’s weird, I’ll say it again,” Zilisch said. “It was weird last time I did it, and I never thought that I’d have to do it again, but I’m really proud to be doing it again. I love Parker. I’ve been a fan of Parker for a long time. He’s another one I’m OK with seeing win in my race car. I’m really proud of this entire WeatherTech 88 team.”

Smith finished second, followed by Justin Allgaier, Jesse Love and Sam Mayer. Rounding out the top-10,  was Brandon Jones, Dean Thompson, Garrett Smithley, Brennan Poole and polesitter Carson Kvapil.

Smith won Stage 1 and Allgaier won Stage 2.

There were 21 lead changes among 10 drivers. Ryan Sieg led a race high of 19 laps; however, he crashed hard on Lap 98, ending his day with a 31^st-place finish.

There were seven cautions for 39 laps.

Allgaier leads Zilisch by a mere three points in the Regular Season standings.

With two races to go before the NASCAR Playoffs, Taylor Gray, who crashed in Daytona, is now 67 points above the cutline. Harrsion Burton who was also caught up in a crash is only 36 points to the good. Jeb Burton is 36 points out, and Sieg trails by 56 points.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series will visit Portland International Raceway on Saturday, Aug. 30, for the Pacific Office Automation 147. Live coverage will broadcast on the CW at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Photo Credit: Mitchell White/TheFourthTurn.com