The first step in Connor Zilisch returning at Daytona International Speedway will be receiving medical clearance from NASCAR.
The Xfinity Series points leader had surgery last week for a broken collarbone he suffered while celebrating his series-high sixth victory at Watkins Glen International. He is on the entry list for Friday night’s 100-lap event at Daytona, but NASCAR managing director of communications Mike Forde said during the latest episode of the “Hauler Talk” podcast that Zilisch still needs approval.
“I believe this week he has a follow-up appointment with his ortho, and once he has that let’s hope that he’s good to go, and his doctor gives him the clearance,” Forde said. “His doctor will talk to our medical team and then we will clear him to return to all racing activities.”
Forde said if Zilisch elected to start the race in the No. 88 Chevrolet before turning the wheel over to a substitute driver, Zilisch would receive all points (including for the fastest lap) earned during the race. But the playoff points earned for a stage or race win by a substitute driver wouldn’t transfer to Zilisch.
During the podcast, Forde and NASCAR senior director of racing communications Amanda Ellis also were joined by NASCAR vice president of vehicle performance Eric Jacuzzi, who discussed the new A-post flap that will be employed at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway to help reduce the liftoff of cars.
Other topics covered by Forde and Ellis during the 28th episode of “Hauler Talk,” which explores competition issues in NASCAR:
— How NASCAR viewed Bubba Wallace’s stop in Chase Briscoe’s pit stall to have a loose tire secured at Richmond Raceway.
— The penalty on Chase Elliott for entering his pit stall improperly and how it was different from Ty Gibbs avoiding a penalty for a similar situation at Sonoma Raceway.
— Whether Xfinity’s incentive programs will continue next year under O’Reilly Auto Parts’ new title sponsorship of NASCAR’s secondary series.
— The possibility of new eligibility guidelines for Cup drivers competing in lower-tier series.
Click on the embed above to listen or search for “Hauler Talk” wherever you download podcasts to hear it on your phone, tablet or mobile device.
Nate Ryan has written about NASCAR since 1996 while working at the San Bernardino Sun, Richmond Times-Dispatch, USA TODAY and for the past 10 years at NBC Sports Digital. He is a contributor to the “Hauler Talk” show on the NASCAR Podcast Network. He also has covered various other motorsports, including the IndyCar and IMSA series.