Connor Zilisch "won" the Xfinity race at Daytona, but another driver is staking his claim on the checkered flag. Here's what went down.

Connor Zilisch officially received a promotion to the NASCAR Cup Series for 2026 on Saturday. While that news hardly was surprising given Zilisch recorded seven victories in the Xfinity series, the 19-year-old still became emotional when reality settled in that Trackhouse Racing signed him to a multi-year contract.

Zilisch, a 19-year-old who is expected to compete in the Cup Series next year for Trackhouse Racing, will have Parker Kligerman on standby at Daytona and said Thursday afternoon he "most likely" will drop to the rear at the start of the race and be replaced by Kligerman at the time of the first caution.