NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch turned Victory Lane at Watkins Glen International from cheers to silence on Saturday after falling from the JR Motorsports No. 88 Chevrolet and breaking his collarbone.
Upon entering the Winner’s Circle, the 19-year-old driver did the traditional move of exiting his car and then standing on the window ledge. While turning to the photographers to his left, he slipped and fell headfirst on to the concrete.
Medical personnel rushed to his side, put him on a backboard and to a waiting ambulance which took him to a local hospital. Back in Victory Lane, his JRM team, race sponsors and media quietly left the area.
Tests at the hospital revealed the only injury Zilisch suffered was a broken collarbone. As a result, Trackhouse Racing had to withdraw their part-time NASCAR Cup Series driver from Sunday’s event where he had qualified 25th on Saturday.
The good news he was present at WGI on Sunday to cheer on his Trackhouse teammates of Daniel Suarez, Ross Chastain and race-winner Shane Van Gisbergen. During a live interview with TBS’s Marty Snyder, Saturday’s NXS race winner provided an explanation of how his fall happened.
How It Happened
“I was climbing out of the car, obviously the window net was on the door,” Connor Zilisch said, with his arm in a sling. “As soon as they started spraying water, my foot slipped. The last thing I remember is being halfway down (to the ground) and falling.
“So glad it wasn’t any worse and the collarbone was the extent of my injuries. I hate I couldn’t make it today and get a good result for my Trackhouse team. We’re still working it out with all the doctor’s what’s going to be the next steps. I have a little motivation from Shane, my teammate.
“He had a plate put in and raced the weekend after. I don’t know if I’ll be that quick, but hopefully my young bones will heal quickly and I’ll be back in as soon as possible.”
What Is Next for Zilisch?
Now, the driver has to wait to see when he can race again. The next NXS event isn’t until Friday, August 22, at Daytona International Speedway. That gives him an extra week to rest with only the Cup and NASCAR Truck Series teams racing at Richmond International Raceway this coming weekend.
Justin Marks, co-owner of Trackhouse, said the final decision will incur multiple factors regarding their up-and-coming driver’s return. Currently leading the Xfinity Series points standings with six wins, Connor Zilisch has already missed one race because of an on-track injury this year.
A crash during the series’ race at Talladega Superspeedway resulted in a back injury, which sidelined him the following weekend for the Texas Motor Speedway event. Since that race, he’s earned two more wins and five pole awards.
During the interview with Snyder, he knew what took place on Saturday could have been much worse.
“I’m doing okay, very grateful to walk away, well…I guess I didn’t walk away,” Zilisch said. “I am grateful to be walking today. Thanks to all the medics who took care of me, all who reached out and who wished me well.
“I appreciate it all.”
NASCAR’s Connor Zilisch Waits for What’s Next After Watkins Glen Fall