Connor Zilisch Suffers Injury in Victory Lane After Watkins Glen Win
NASCAR Xfinity Series star Connor Zilisch faced an unexpected injury following his sixth victory of the season at Watkins Glen International.
The Incident
On August 9, 2025, after celebrating his impressive win in the race, Zilisch ascended the roof of his No. 88 Chevrolet to acknowledge his supporters. Unfortunately, he slipped while attempting this celebratory act. Eyewitnesses reported that his left foot became ensnared in the driver’s side window net, causing him to fall awkwardly onto the asphalt below.
This accident resulted in a broken collarbone, and the young racer, who just turned 19 in July, was immediately transported to the trackside medical center before being admitted to a hospital for further evaluation.
Medical Update
Shortly after the incident, Zilisch provided an update via his X account. He confirmed the broken collarbone but thankfully stated that CT scans showed no head injuries.
“Thank you everybody for reaching out today. I’m out of the hospital and getting better already. Thankful for all the medics for quick attention and grateful it wasn’t any worse,” Zilisch shared.
A Rollercoaster Day
The victory itself was a thrilling yet tumultuous experience for Zilisch:
- Started from the Pole Position: Zilisch began the race with high hopes.
- A Significant Collision: On Lap 65, he collided with teammate Shane van Gisbergen while battling for the lead, leading to further complications.
- Epic Comeback: After being knocked down to fifth on a restart, Zilisch showcased remarkable skill by regaining the lead and held on to secure his victory.
Crew chief Mardy Lindley expressed relief after the race, stating, “Praying for Connor right now that he’s OK. I think he’s going to be fine.”
Upcoming Races and Performance
Despite this setback, Zilisch remains a dominant force in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. With six victories this season, he also boasts an impressive streak of 11 consecutive top-five finishes.
He was scheduled to compete in the upcoming Go Bowling at The Glen Cup Series race, but it is uncertain whether he will be fit to participate. Historically, Zilisch’s first win came last year at Watkins Glen in his series debut, making him a racer to watch in the future.
Previous Injuries
This incident is not Zilisch’s first brush with injury this season. Earlier, he had to sit out a race at Texas Motor Speedway due to a back injury incurred during a crash at Talladega Superspeedway.
Conclusion
Connor Zilisch’s recent injury serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of auto racing. Fans and racers alike wish him a swift recovery as he navigates this unfortunate setback.
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