Parker Kligerman believed he had clinched a significant victory in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Daytona on Friday night — until it was taken from him. In a chaotic final lap with multiple trucks wrecking, Kligerman managed to navigate through the turmoil and crossed the finish line amid both the checkered and yellow flags. Embracing the moment, he savored what he thought was the win.
Parker Kligerman is heading to The CW Xfinity Series booth, but before that happens, he wins the Truck race at Daytona. pic.twitter.com/iXASB3i0qj
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 15, 2025
However, that sense of triumph quickly faded. Over an hour post-race, NASCAR announced that Kligerman’s No. 75 truck had been disqualified during a post-race inspection for being too low in the rear, and Corey Heim was named the official winner.
UPDATE: The No. 75 truck has been disqualified following post-race inspection at @DAYTONA for being too low in the rear.@CoreyHeim_ has been declared the winner of tonight’s race.
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) February 15, 2025
Kligerman’s team, Henderson Motorsports, promptly announced their intent to appeal the disqualification. Most teams often avoid appealing disqualifications due to the associated costs and risks; however, Kligerman is optimistic, stating they will present a “very, very valid case.” Yet, he refrained from commenting further.
This disappointment isn’t new for Kligerman, who faced a similar setback in October during the Xfinity Series race at the Charlotte Roval. Just yards from crossing the finish line, he was denied the victory when NASCAR called a caution, forcing him to settle for fifth place and ending his hopes for the Playoffs.
In the meantime, Kligerman remains focused on his role as an analyst for The CW’s Xfinity Series coverage. “Until then, I’m fully focused on my job with @TheCW_Sports and @NASCAR_Xfinity because the drivers and teams deserve the full focus on the massive stage ahead of them,” he expressed.
Biggest win of my life. Thank you all for the wonderful messages. Over 700 texts
I will not be commenting any further until we are able to present what I believe is a very, very valid case.
Until then, I’m fully focused on my job with @TheCW_Sports and @NASCAR_Xfinity because… pic.twitter.com/L8cfSoUL8q
— Parker Kligerman (@pkligerman) February 15, 2025
During a 2023 interview with Awful Announcing, Kligerman discussed balancing his racing career and media commitments. At that time, he was still with NBC Sports, but after being hired by The CW earlier this year, he is set to serve as an analyst for their NASCAR Xfinity Series coverage while also acting as a pit reporter for NBC during the Cup Series later in the season.
“The two mix really easily together, and I’d probably say better than ever, to be honest,” he shared with AA Podcast host Brandon Contes.
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