Connor Zilisch, the NASCAR Xfinity Series points leader, is set to compete in the Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola this Friday at Daytona International Speedway, just two weeks after breaking his collarbone. Zilisch, who was injured after falling from his car while celebrating his Watkins Glen victory, remains determined to secure the points title in his rookie full season.
With six wins—the most in the circuit—Zilisch leads Justin Allgaier by seven points and Sam Mayer by 42 points, with only three races left in the regular season. Despite his injury, Zilisch’s chances at the 2.5-mile tri-oval track remain strong, as BetOnline Sportsbook places him third in the betting odds at +1000, behind Austin Hill who holds the top odds at +275.
“According to a release from @JRMotorsports, Connor Zilisch will be back in the No. 88 this weekend at Daytona. He underwent surgery on his broken collarbone just over a week ago.” —John Newby, Reporter
O’Reilly Auto Parts Named New Primary Sponsor for NASCAR Xfinity Series
As the current primary sponsor of the NASCAR Xfinity Series prepares to exit after 11 seasons, O’Reilly Auto Parts has been announced as the new title sponsor starting in 2026. NASCAR has finalized a multi-year entitlement partnership with the auto parts supplier, which will rebrand the series as the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series beginning January 1.
Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s president, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting the shared American roots and commitment to hard work that define both NASCAR and O’Reilly Auto Parts.
“Like the great sport of NASCAR, O’Reilly Auto Parts was born in America and built on the hard work and drive of passionate people,”
“This new partnership allows us to continue to fuel that passion for the next generation of NASCAR’s stars and fans while celebrating the journey we’ve been on together for decades.” —Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR President
This partnership signals a new era for the series as it continues to grow and evolve.
Latest Betting Odds for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Wawa 250
BetOnline Sportsbook provides the following key odds for the upcoming Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona:
Austin Hill leads the market with odds of +275, followed by Connor Zilisch at +1000, reflecting his status as series points leader despite his recent injury. These odds demonstrate the competitive nature of the race, with multiple drivers vying for victory as the regular season nears its conclusion.
Implications for the Championship and Upcoming Races
The Wawa 250 represents a critical opportunity for Zilisch to maintain momentum as he pushes toward clinching the NASCAR Xfinity Series title. His return after surgery underlines his determination and could inspire both fans and competitors alike. Meanwhile, the shift in series sponsorship to O’Reilly Auto Parts marks a significant development for NASCAR’s future branding and partnerships.
As the season’s final races approach, the battle between top drivers such as Zilisch, Allgaier, Mayer, and Hill is expected to intensify on one of the sport’s most renowned tracks, Daytona International Speedway.