WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — NASCAR Xfinity Collection factors chief Connor Zilisch broke his collarbone after a tough fall in Victory Lane at Watkins Glen Worldwide.
After his series-leading sixth victory, Zilisch was climbing onto the roof of his No. 88 Chevrolet to rejoice. He slipped after apparently getting his left foot caught within the driver’s facet window netting and tumbled awkwardly onto the asphalt.
Zilisch, 19, was taken on a backboard to the trackside medical middle after which transported to a hospital for additional analysis. He posted on X about two hours later that he had a damaged collarbone and that CT scans confirmed no head damage.
“Thanks everyone for reaching out at this time,” Zilisch posted. “I am out of the hospital and getting higher already. Grateful for all of the medics for fast consideration and grateful it wasn’t any worse.”
Thanks everyone for reaching out at this time. I am out of the hospital and getting higher already. Fortunately, CT scans for my head are clear, I simply have a damaged collarbone. Grateful for all of the medics for fast consideration and grateful it wasn’t any worse.❤️
— Connor Zilisch (@ConnorZilisch) August 10, 2025
Zilisch is not going to be out there for the Cup race Sunday at Watkins Glen. After racing within the Truck and Xfinity Collection the previous two days on the street course, he was scheduled to finish a tripleheader by making his fourth Cup begin this season for Trackhouse Racing.
The scary incident capped an eventful day for Zilisch, who drives for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports group.
After ranging from the pole place, Zilisch wrecked teammate Shane van Gisbergen’s automobile whereas battling for the lead on Lap 65. After being bumped from the result in fifth on a restart, Zilisch retook first and led the ultimate 4 laps.
“He did such an excellent job of getting again by the sphere and getting the lead,” crew chief Mardy Lindley advised SiriusXM NASCAR Radio after the race. “Praying for Connor proper now that he is OK. I believe he’ll be tremendous.”
Zilisch missed a race earlier this season at Texas Motor Speedway after struggling a again damage throughout a crash at Talladega Superspeedway. He has 11 consecutive top-five finishes and 5 wins since his return.