Connor Zilisch earned the NASCAR Xfinity pole at Daytona but will not compete in the race due to a collarbone injury sustained prior to the event. The qualifying session was cut short because of lightning, placing Zilisch on pole by NASCAR’s rulebook, though he is expected to start at the back and hand over his car to Parker Kligerman during the race.
Fresh from surgery on his collarbone, Zilisch and his teams, JR Motorsports and Trackhouse Racing, are taking no chances with his health. This careful approach preserves his streak of 11 consecutive top-five finishes and allows Kligerman, an experienced superspeedway racer, to pilot the car without pressure on Zilisch’s recovery. Despite not racing, Zilisch will receive points earned through Kligerman’s finishing position during the event.
Storms Halt Qualifying, Affecting Starting Lineup
Qualifying was underway when lightning forced an early end to the session, prompting NASCAR to finalize the starting grid based on existing rules. This interruption positioned Zilisch on the pole by default, although his injury prevented him from capitalizing on the prime starting spot. Drivers such as Justin Haley, Ryan Sieg, and Sheldon Creed will start from the back half of the field, with Aric Almirola beginning in 29th place.
“NEWS: The remainder of Kennametal Pole qualifying at @DAYTONA has been canceled due to weather.The lineup will be set per the rule book.” —NASCAR Xfinity
Team Strategy: Zilisch Starts, Kligerman Takes Over
Due to Zilisch’s injury, the plan is for him to start the race, complete at least one official lap, and then quickly pit to switch places with Parker Kligerman. This strategic move ensures Zilisch can earn valuable championship points despite not running the full race. The seven-point gap between Zilisch and Justin Allgaier in the regular season standings underscores the importance of every point as the playoffs approach.
Kligerman’s experience on superspeedways is a significant advantage for JR Motorsports. His role as a substitute driver comes under difficult circumstances, but his skillset is expected to keep the team competitive at Daytona. Meanwhile, Zilisch aims to continue his points accumulation by returning to road courses soon, with Portland as the next race where he hopes to excel.
Promising Competitors Positioning for Impact
The race lineup places several notable drivers towards the start of the race’s back half, including Justin Haley, Ryan Sieg, and Sheldon Creed. Austin Hill, who has faced criticism recently, also starts deeper in the field and will be keen to improve his standing on the challenging superspeedway track. Sammy Smith and Sam Mayer are among other contenders looking to capitalize as well.
What Zilisch’s Pole Means for the Season
While earning the pole position is typically an advantage, being unable to race from that spot is a disappointing outcome for Zilisch. It exemplifies the unpredictable nature of motorsport, where injuries and weather can alter opportunities swiftly. However, by starting the race and transferring driving duties, Zilisch and his team have found a way to optimize their situation without jeopardizing his recovery or the team’s championship ambitions.
Parker Kligerman’s performance tonight will be critical for the 88 team’s success. Should he perform well, Zilisch’s points lead and playoff positioning will be protected, allowing him to focus on upcoming schedules where he can race at full strength. The tactical response to adversity at Daytona reflects the resilience and strategic depth within JR Motorsports and Trackhouse Racing as they pursue the regular season championship.