In a startling turn of events at Watkins Glen International on Saturday, Connor Zilisch, the leading contender in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, sustained a broken collarbone. The incident occurred immediately after the 19-year-old secured his sixth victory of the 2025 season, as his celebratory climb onto the roof of his No. 88 Chevrolet ended with a sudden slip and fall onto the asphalt, requiring urgent medical attention.
The celebration saw Zilisch attempting a common driver tradition: standing atop his vehicle. However, video evidence suggests his left foot became entangled in the driver’s side window netting, leading to an uncontrolled, head-first plunge onto the track below, which alarmed everyone present.
Following the unexpected fall, medical personnel swiftly attended to Zilisch in victory lane, providing immediate care before he was carefully transported on a backboard and then a gurney. He was taken by ambulance to the trackside medical center for initial assessment and then transferred to a local hospital for more thorough evaluations, with NASCAR confirming he was “awake and alert” during this concerning period.
Around two hours post-incident, Zilisch took to X (formerly Twitter) to update concerned fans and fellow racers, confirming the fractured collarbone but assuring them he was already recovering after being released from the hospital. He expressed immense gratitude for the swift response of the medics and relief that his head sustained no serious injuries, acknowledging the outpouring of support.
Further details emerged on Sunday when Zilisch provided additional comments during a broadcast of the Cup Series race at Watkins Glen. He offered a more specific account of the fall, stating, “First of all, I’m doing okay.” He added, “I am very grateful to be able to walk away from that, and I guess I didn’t walk away, but I am very grateful to be walking today and to just be all right.” Describing the mechanics of the fall, Zilisch explained, “Yeah, I was climbing out of the car, and obviously, the window net was on the door. As soon as they started spraying water, my foot slipped. And the last thing I remember was being halfway down and falling. So, I am glad it wasn’t any worse, and that the collarbone is the extent of the injuries, but I hate that I couldn’t make it to the race today.”
The injury had an immediate and significant impact on Zilisch’s racing schedule. Trackhouse Racing, for which Zilisch was scheduled to make a Cup Series start, announced on Saturday evening that they would withdraw his No. 87 Chevrolet from Sunday’s Cup race at Watkins Glen. This decision meant that Zilisch, who had already competed in Truck and Xfinity Series races at the road course over the preceding days, would not be able to complete his scheduled triple – header weekend.
Looking ahead, Zilisch’s next scheduled appearance in the Xfinity Series is set for August 22 at Daytona International Speedway. However, the exact timeline for his return remains uncertain following the collarbone injury. Zilisch himself noted that he and his team were “working with all the doctors to determine what the next steps will be,” implying that the recovery process could potentially lead to him missing multiple upcoming races, a significant setback for the points leader.
The celebratory fall, though unfortunate, punctuated what had already been an exceptionally eventful day for Zilisch, who drives for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s prominent JR Motorsports team. His day began with a strong performance, as he started the Mission 200 from the pole position, showcasing his speed and setting an assertive tone for the race. The path to his sixth victory was far from straightforward, demonstrating both his competitive spirit and his ability to overcome on – track adversity.
Earlier in the race, during Lap 65, Zilisch was engaged in a heated battle for the lead with his teammate Shane van Gisbergen, a moment that underscored the intense rivalry within the Xfinity Series. Although a restart pushed him back to fifth, Zilisch demonstrated exceptional skill, rapidly regaining the lead and dominating the final laps to secure a hard-fought win.
Mardy Lindley, Zilisch’s crew chief, shared his initial thoughts on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio following the race, prior to the full extent of the injury being widely known. Lindley lauded Zilisch’s on – track performance, stating, “He did such a great job of getting back through the field and taking the lead.” Expressing immediate concern for his driver’s well – being after the fall, Lindley added, “Praying for Connor right now that he’s okay. I think he’s going to be fine,” reflecting the hopes of the entire team.
This latest victory at Watkins Glen has further solidified Zilisch’s commanding position atop the Xfinity Series standings, firmly establishing him as a bona fide championship contender in the 2025 season. His performance throughout the year has been nothing short of remarkable, characterized by a statistical run that has drawn comparisons to some of the most impressive in Xfinity Series history. He has rapidly emerged as one of NASCAR’s brightest and most promising young stars.
This latest triumph at Watkins Glen adds to Zilisch’s impressive tally of six wins this season, including earlier victories at Circuit of the Americas, Pocono, Sonoma, Dover, and Indianapolis. His consistent performance since May’s Charlotte race, marked by an incredible 11 consecutive top-five finishes, highlights his exceptional talent and adaptability across diverse racing circuits.
Notably, this broken collarbone marks the second significant injury Zilisch has sustained this season. Earlier in the year, he was forced to miss a race at Texas Motor Speedway. That absence followed a severe back injury sustained during a crash at Talladega Superspeedway in April, where his car slid and hit the inside wall head – first on the backstretch while he was racing for the win on the final lap. His swift and successful return from that earlier setback to embark on his current dominant streak highlights his profound resilience and determination.
Zilisch is widely regarded within the NASCAR community as one of the sport’s premier young talents, particularly recognized for his exceptional abilities as a road – course racer, a skill prominently displayed at Watkins Glen. His trajectory points towards a bright future, with widespread expectations that Trackhouse Racing is preparing to promote him to the Cup Series full – time in 2026. This potential move is anticipated to coincide with Daniel Suarez’s expected departure from the team at the end of the current season.
The unfortunate incident at Watkins Glen serves as a stark reminder of the risks and unpredictability inherent in motorsports, even amidst moments of hard-earned victory. As Connor Zilisch begins his recovery from a broken collarbone, his journey this season—defined by significant achievements, a commanding points lead, and now a second physical challenge—speaks volumes about his resilience and determination. The NASCAR community eagerly awaits his full recovery and return to the track, anticipating his continued rise and pursuit of future aspirations, including a potential move to the Cup Series.
