Zilisch Cleared for Daytona Start; Kligerman Finishes, Preserves Lead

Connor Zilisch was cleared to return to competition for Friday night’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Daytona just 13 days after undergoing surgery to repair a broken collarbone suffered in a victory-lane fall at Watkins Glen. In a plan designed to protect the 19-year-old’s health while preserving his points lead in the regular-season standings, Zilisch started the race, then handed the car to Parker Kligerman during an early caution, allowing Kligerman to drive to the finish as Zilisch watched from the pit box. By rule, Zilisch earned the race’s credited win for the start, while Kligerman collected the finish. The result kept Zilisch atop the Xfinity standings with three races remaining in the regular season.

Medical and strategic notes surrounding the Daytona appearance were clear. Zilisch underwent surgery to insert a plate and screws into his collarbone after the August 9 incident in Victory Lane, and both his doctors and NASCAR cleared him to race this week. The plan was to start the 100-lap race and exit the car at the earliest practical moment, with Kligerman on standby. The swap occurred on Lap 14 when light rain prompted a caution, setting up the planned driver...