Connor Zilisch, the current NASCAR Xfinity Series points leader, has been cleared to race Friday night at Daytona International Speedway after breaking his collarbone in victory lane at Watkins Glen International.
Update: During an interview with Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports on Xfinity Series tech day, Zilisch said that there is a likely scenario in which he would hand the No. 88 over to Kligerman, who would, in turn, score points for Zilisch in the car, as the 18-year-old would have started the race.
“Looking at it now I most likely I’m gonna pull out a line before the race starts and ride around until the caution comes out and then do whatever needs to happen.”
Zilisch announced that he was clear to race Thursday Morning via X, posting, “Cya tomorrow @DAYTONA thank you to my doctors, surgeons, and everyone who has supported me through this ordeal.” JR Motorsports later clarified that former full-time Xfinity Series driver Parker Kligerman will be ready to take over for the 18-year-old “if needed.”
This saga began two weeks ago, on Aug. 9 at Watkins Glen International. Following his sixth win of the NASCAR Xfinity Series season, Zilisch slipped while stepping off the roof of his car in victory lane.
Following the fall, there was uncertainty about the rookie’s condition as he was carted out of victory lane on a stretcher and taken to the infield care center by ambulance. Late that evening, Zilisch revealed he had broken his collarbone and would go on to have surgery last Tuesday.
Earlier this week, Trackhouse Racing President Justin Marks told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio that their developmental driver “could be a game-time decision” for this weekend’s race. Had Zilisch not been cleared to race, this would have been the second time this season he required a medical waiver to maintain playoff eligibility.
Despite missing the May 3 race at Texas Motor Speedway due to an injury suffered at Talladega, Zilisch has shown so much dominance that he still sits first in Rookie of the Year points, Regular Season Points, and the Playoff picture. In the 11 races since returning from his first injury, Zilisch has 11 top-five finishes, six wins, and an average finish of 2.2.
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