Central Florida News
Parker Kligerman delivers overtime Win for Connor Zilisch in NASCAR Xfinity WaWa 250 at Daytona
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Wawa 250 Presented by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway ended in dramatic fashion Friday night, with part-time driver Parker Kligerman piloting the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet to victory lane in overtime.
While the record book will officially credit 19-year-old phenom Connor Zilisch with the win, it was Kligerman who did the on-track work as a relief driver. NASCAR rules allow the registered driver to earn the victory regardless of who takes the wheel, making the Zilisch-Kligerman pairing a unique storyline in the Xfinity Series.
The race, extended beyond its scheduled 100 laps due to a late caution, came down to an intense two-lap shootout under the lights. Kligerman kept calm through the chaotic pack racing that defines Daytona, making the decisive move on the final lap to edge out the competition and secure the win.
“This is what Daytona is all about—opportunity, teamwork, and execution,” Kligerman said after the race. “I’m grateful to JR Motorsports and Connor for trusting me with this car tonight. To deliver this kind of finish here is special.”
For Zilisch, who is building a reputation as one of NASCAR’s brightest young stars, the victory adds to his growing résumé, even though he wasn’t in the driver’s seat at the checkered flag. The win also bolsters JR Motorsports’ momentum in the playoff hunt, showcasing the team’s depth and versatility.
The Wawa 250 continues Daytona’s tradition of producing wild, unpredictable finishes in the Xfinity Series, and Friday night’s race was no exception—once again proving why the high banks of Daytona are legendary in stock car racing.
Final Results (Top 5):
Parker Kligerman (No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, listed under Connor Zilisch)
Runner-Up Driver Justin Allgaier
Third Place Driver Sammy Smith
Fourth Place Driver Sam Mayer
Fifth Place Driver Jesse Love
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J Willie David, III | Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
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EATONVILLE, Fla. (FNN) — Eddie Cole, a former Eatonville mayor, longtime coach, chaplain and community leader, has died at the age of 67, town officials confirmed.
Cole, widely respected for his dedication to public service and his influence in basketball, passed away just months after being inducted into the Rollins College Sports Hall of Fame.
In a statement, the Town of Eatonville remembered Cole as “a servant leader whose heart beat for the people of Eatonville.” Officials praised his compassion, leadership and unwavering commitment to the community’s progress.
“Mayor Cole’s compassion and commitment to progress will forever be etched in the heart of Eatonville,” the statement read. “We honor his life, leadership, and the indelible impact he made on generations past, present and future.”
Cole’s legacy spans decades of civic leadership, mentorship and faith-based service, leaving a lasting imprint on the town and those he guided on and off the court.
