When the checkered flag flies over the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race at Phoenix on Nov. 9, it’ll mark the end of an era for Parker Kligerman.
The 34-year-old from Westport, Conn., announced on Thursday that he will not return to Big Machine Racing’s No. 48 car in 2025, nor be in any NASCAR series full-time in the future.
Kligerman made the first of 109 Xfinity Series starts at Kansas in 2009, and while he’s still searching for his first victory, he’s in good shape to make the NASCAR Xfinity Series playoffs for the second season in a row.
Kligerman hasn’t been able to bring Big Machine Racing a trophy, but he has supplied the team with an asset that is arguably just as important: Stability and consistency in a modern sports world that wants nothing to do with either trait.
As Kligerman chases a championship to close out his final full-time campaign, questions will undoubtedly begin to swirl regarding who will replace the veteran in the No. 48 car. Big Machine isn’t a top-tier Xfinity Series team, but it’s capable of winning and being a consistent playoff contender.
BMR has the advantage of being in Chevrolet’s strong NASCAR pipeline, but a few top prospects have already been snatched up. Kaulig Racing has already tapped Christian Eckes for an Xfinity Series ride in 2025 with Jr. Motorsports signing the highly touted Connor Zilisch to drive the iconic No. 88 car in the series as well.
One name that hasn’t been mentioned is that of 23-year-old Nick Sanchez, who is in the midst of a breakout season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The Miami, Fla., native boasts victories at both Daytona and Charlotte in 2024, and is in the midst of his second Truck Series playoff appearance. If the team wants a young, flashy driver who could elevate their program to new heights, Sanchez would be a solid choice.
Regardless of who replaces Kligerman, it’s fair to say that the veteran driver should be given his flowers when he walks out of the shop for the final time. It takes a good driver to produce results, but it takes an even better drive to elevate the race team around him.
It’s safe to say that Kligerman has done just that.
