![\"NASCAR](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Parker-Kliggerman-wins-daytona.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPark Kliggerman took victory while the field wrecked behind him at Daytona.<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPark Kliggerman took victory while the field wrecked behind him at Daytona.<\/p>\n
Kligerman was called up as an injury replacement for Connor Zilisch after he suffered a broken collarbone two weeks ago at Watkins Glen.<\/p>\n
It was a surprise call for Kligerman, who was supposed to be on holiday in Italy but postponed those plans to race.<\/p>\n
Zilisch who took the start of the race in the #88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro and drove the first part of the race, electing to run around at the back of the pack out of harm\u2019s way.<\/p>\n
When an early caution came out just shy of Stage 1 finishing, the 19-year-old got out of the car and Kligerman got in.<\/p>\n
The team escaped going a lap down and from there Kligerman bided his time until Stage 3 when he worked his way to the front.<\/p>\n
In the end, the 35-year-old was able to hold off teammates Justin Allgaier and Sammy Smith for the win while the field wrecked behind them.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s different in every way because I didn\u2019t expect to get a call from Dale Jr. on the day I was leaving to go on vacation and say, \u2018Hey man! Would you come drive this thing?\u2019\u201d said Kligerman.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously I hate the circumstances for Connor, he\u2019s an amazing, generational talent. I feel honoured to have gotten the call and it\u2019s great, the seat he\u2019s been in. Kyle Larson has been in it. I knew I had to hold up my end of the bargain.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you to Justin Allgaier. Man, 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a great testament to this team, the #88 team which has been on fire all year.\u201d<\/p>\n
WHAT A RACE!!!!!<\/p>\n
CW Sports\u2019 own @pkligerman<\/a> fills in for the recovering @ConnorZilisch<\/a> and wins it in a dramatic overtime finish! pic.twitter.com\/JPgd0Cv0Uy<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) August 23, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n In a cruel twist, the win does not count against Kliggerman\u2019s record as Zilisch was the starting driver.<\/p>\n \u201cFor me, it\u2019s such a me thing that this will not be on racing reference at all,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cI still get to count it as a win. I still take the chequered flag. We get the cheque of course but this is just really cool.<\/p>\n \u201cTo do it with a guy (Dale Earnhardt Jr.) who, younger me would never have thought in the world I\u2019d get to speak to him, let alone drive one of his race cars is just a dream come true.\u201d<\/p>\n The NASCAR Xfinity Series continues in a weeks time at Portland International Raceway where Will Brown and Jack Perkins will be in action.<\/p>\n HOW COOL IS THIS?!@pkligerman<\/a> \ud83e\udd1c\ud83e\udd1b @ConnorZilisch<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/cKaDDDYWOG<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) August 23, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t