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Parker Kligerman delivers overtime Win for Connor Zilisch in NASCAR Xfinity WaWa 250 at Daytona

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Part-time driver Parker Kligerman piloting the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet to victory lane in overtime, Friday, August 22, 2025. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News

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):

  1. Parker Kligerman (No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, listed under Connor Zilisch)

  2. Runner-Up Driver Justin Allgaier

  3. Third Place Driver Sammy Smith

  4. Fourth Place Driver Sam Mayer

  5. Fifth Place Driver Jesse Love

_____________________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III | Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Central Florida News

Tiffany Moore Russell Plans Orange County Campaign Stops Ahead of Early Voting

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ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County mayoral candidate Tiffany Moore Russell plans to attend Orlando’s Come Out With Pride celebration and visit churches across the county this weekend as her campaign reaches voters ahead of early voting, according to a campaign announcement.

The Oct. 17-18 stops will give residents opportunities to discuss their priorities with Moore Russell. Candidates, elected officials, community leaders and supporters are expected to join her at various locations, the campaign said.

“This weekend is about traveling across Orange County, meeting residents where they are and hearing directly from them about the future of our community,” Moore Russell said in the announcement. “That is the kind of Mayor I will be — present, accessible and focused on delivering for the people of Orange County.”

Saturday: Come Out With Pride

Moore Russell is scheduled to participate in the Most Colorful Parade at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, in downtown Orlando, according to her campaign.

The campaign lists the parade’s starting point as Washington Street and Orange Avenue, with the route concluding at Lake Eola Park. Moore Russell’s appearance will highlight her support for Orange County’s LGBTQ+ community, the announcement said.

Sunday: Church Visits Across Orange County

Moore Russell’s community church tour is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at Saint Mark AME Church, 1968 Bruton Blvd., Orlando.

She will then visit additional churches throughout Orange County to meet with congregations, according to the campaign. The announcement did not identify the other churches or provide a complete schedule.

Affordability, Transportation and Small Businesses

During the weekend stops, Moore Russell plans to discuss housing affordability, transportation connections to jobs, support for small and local businesses, and improvements to county government services.

The campaign described those issues as central to her vision for the county but did not outline specific policy proposals in the announcement.

Early Voting Begins Oct. 19

Early voting in Orange County runs Monday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, according to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections. Registered Orange County voters may cast ballots at any of the county’s 27 early voting locations.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters casting ballots on Election Day must use their assigned polling place.

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Central Florida News

USF Comes Up Short at UTSA as Late Touchdown Seals 31-24 Loss

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SAN ANTONIO, Texas — USF running back D.J. Crowther (5) crosses the goal line on a 15-yard touchdown run to open the scoring against UTSA Thursday night at the Alamodome. Photo by Stephen Galvin / University of South Florida Athletics.

South Florida held an early advantage and reclaimed the lead late, but UTSA’s second-half execution proved to be the difference Thursday night at the Alamodome.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida gave itself a chance to steal a road win Thursday night, but UTSA answered when it mattered most, defeating the Bulls 31-24 at the Alamodome.

USF struck first behind D.J. Crowther, who broke through for a 15-yard touchdown run to give the Bulls an early advantage. Quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. helped keep South Florida’s offense moving throughout the night as the Bulls continued to respond whenever UTSA threatened to take control.

USF stayed within reach from start to finish, but the second half belonged to a UTSA offense that consistently found a way to finish drives.

UTSA Finds Its Rhythm

Running back A’Marion Peterson became the difference-maker for the Roadrunners, finishing with 92 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

UTSA scored on every second-half possession, gradually shifting momentum away from a USF team that continued to battle offensively. The Roadrunners leaned heavily on their ground game while keeping the Bulls from building any sustained separation.

(more…)

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Central Florida News

Commissioner Uribe Announces New Date for Hispanic Heritage Festival Due to Weather

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Commissioner Uribe announced that the Hispanic Heritage Festival has been rescheduled due to weather conditions. The event will now take place Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon at Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave., Orlando.

The festival will celebrate the rich history, cultures, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities through live music, dance performances, food and community resources.

Scheduled highlights include:

  • Live music by youth orchestra The Nucleus Orchestral.
  • Dance performances featuring Maria Saavedra of FusionFest with Huellas de Colombia, Unidos for Ecuador and Mexico Dansa.
  • Food from Zaza.
  • Community resources from 311 and other participants.

Join Commissioner Uribe and the community for a morning celebrating Hispanic and Latino heritage.

NEW DATE: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
TIME: 9 a.m. to noon
LOCATION: Cypress Grove Park
ADDRESS: 290 Holden Ave., Orlando, FL 32839

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