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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

State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Rita Harris has secured reelection to the Florida House after no opposition qualified to challenge her in District 44 during the state’s candidate qualifying period.

Harris, a Democrat representing House District 44, will return to Tallahassee for another term after neither a Republican, third-party nor write-in candidate entered the race.

Her uncontested reelection reflects continued support within the district and allows her campaign to shift its focus toward supporting Democratic candidates and legislative priorities ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session.

House District 44 includes portions of west Orange County and surrounding communities in Central Florida.

Florida’s General Election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.

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Central Florida News

Congressman Maxwell Frost Secures Third-Term Run Following Candidate Qualifying Period

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US Congressman Maxwell Frost gives federal update

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost secured an easy path to a third term representing Florida’s 10th Congressional District after no Democratic, Republican or write-in challengers qualified before the close of Florida’s candidate qualifying period Friday.

“I’m proud that the people of Central Florida continue to put their trust in me, and I don’t take that for granted,” Frost said. “Over the last term, we’ve delivered real results, and now it’s time to build on that.”

Campaign Focuses on Down-Ballot Races

Despite facing no major-party opposition, Frost said his campaign is expanding its political operation to help Democrats compete across Central Florida.

“We’re focused on electing Democrats up and down the ballot.”

The campaign has recruited 87 fellows this summer as part of its year-round organizing program for young people ages 16 to 24. Campaign officials said participants will engage in door-to-door canvassing, phone banking and voter outreach efforts while supporting Democratic candidates throughout the region.

According to the campaign, more than 162 fellows have participated in the program, helping contact more than 157,000 voters during the current election cycle.

Historic Member of Congress

Frost made history in 2022 as the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress. He represents Florida’s 10th Congressional District, which includes much of Orlando and surrounding portions of Orange County.

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Central Florida News

State Rep. Bruce Antone Wins Reelection Unopposed

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Bruce Antone has won reelection to the Florida House after qualifying for the 2026 election cycle without opposition.

Antone, who represents portions of Orange County, remains the longest-serving Democratic state lawmaker in Orange County and one of the most senior members of Florida’s Democratic legislative delegation.

Following his reelection, Antone thanked supporters in a statement posted on Facebook.

“Today, I was reelected to the Florida House of Representatives. I didn’t have any opposition. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time and tenure in the Florida House of Representatives,” Antone wrote.

Under Florida election law, candidates who qualify for office without opposition are automatically elected and do not appear on the ballot.

Antone will begin another term in the Florida House as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session in Tallahassee.

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