NASCAR’s Connor Zilisch injury update: Here’s what we know
Connor Zilisch was celebrating his Xfinity win at Watkins Glen when he slipped and crashed to the ground. He was taken to a local hospital, where tests showed he broke his collarbone. David Hahn/Icon SZportswire
What was meant to be a triumphant celebration for NASCAR Xfinity Series points leader Connor Zilisch turned into a painful setback on Saturday after the 19-year-old broke his collarbone in Victory Lane at Watkins Glen International.
Zilisch had just clinched his sixth win of the season — the most in the series — when he climbed onto the roof of his No. 88 Chevrolet to celebrate. In the process, his left foot appeared to snag on the driver’s side window net, sending him tumbling to the pavement in an awkward fall.
Track medics quickly secured him to a backboard before taking him to the infield care center. He was later transferred to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. A few hours afterward, Zilisch updated fans on X, confirming the collarbone fracture but noting that CT scans showed no head injury.
“I’m out of the hospital and already on the mend,” he posted. “Grateful to the medics for their quick response and thankful it wasn’t any worse.”
Thank you everybody for reaching out today. I’m out of the hospital and getting better already. Thankfully, CT scans for my head are clear, I just have a broken collarbone. Thankful for all the medics for quick attention and grateful it wasn’t any worse.❤️
— Connor Zilisch (@ConnorZilisch) August 10, 2025
The injury rules Zilisch out of Sunday’s Cup Series race at Watkins Glen, where he had been set to complete a tripleheader weekend. He had already competed in both the Truck and Xfinity events and was scheduled for his fourth Cup start of the year with Trackhouse Racing.
The incident capped a dramatic day for the JR Motorsports driver. Starting from pole, Zilisch was involved in a Lap 65 collision with teammate Shane van Gisbergen while fighting for the lead. After falling back to fifth on a restart, he powered through the field to reclaim the top spot, holding on for the final four laps to take the checkered flag.
“He showed a lot of determination getting back to the front,” crew chief Mardy Lindley told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. “We’re all keeping him in our thoughts and hoping for a quick recovery.”
Zilisch had previously missed a race at Texas earlier this year after a back injury sustained in a Talladega crash. Since his return, he’s been on an impressive run — 11 straight top-five finishes and five wins, a streak that now faces an unexpected interruption.
Connor Zilisch: NASCAR’s Rising Star with a Relentless Drive
At just 19 years old, Connor Zilisch has already carved out a reputation as one of NASCAR’s most exciting young talents. In a sport where experience often defines success, Zilisch has proven that raw skill, adaptability, and sheer determination can fast-track a career into the national spotlight.
Born with an instinct for speed, Zilisch didn’t stumble into racing—he stormed into it. Before making his name in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, he honed his craft in karting and road racing, disciplines that sharpened his technical precision and competitive edge. Those early years weren’t just a warm-up; they built the foundation for a driving style that blends aggression with calculated patience, making him a threat on any track.
In 2025, Zilisch has been more than just competitive—he’s been dominant. Leading the Xfinity Series standings, he’s already claimed six wins this season, including an impressive streak of 11 consecutive top-five finishes since recovering from a back injury earlier in the year. That comeback alone tells you everything you need to know about his resilience. A lesser driver might have slowed down after such a setback; Zilisch doubled down.
His latest victory at Watkins Glen International showcased not only his racing prowess but also his fighting spirit. Starting from pole, he tangled with teammate Shane van Gisbergen in a fierce battle for the lead, dropped to fifth after a restart, and clawed his way back to the front in the closing laps. The win was pure Zilisch—unshaken, focused, and unyielding.
But what happened moments later was a reminder that even champions have unplanned pit stops. Climbing onto his car to celebrate, Zilisch’s foot caught in the window netting, sending him crashing to the asphalt and breaking his collarbone. The injury sidelined him from the upcoming Cup Series race, but if history is any guide, he’ll be back sooner than expected—and just as dangerous on the track.
Off the circuit, Zilisch remains grounded despite his fast rise. Driving for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports, he embraces both the legacy of the sport and his role in shaping its future. He’s also ventured into the NASCAR Truck and Cup Series, gaining valuable experience and exposure across multiple racing tiers.
Connor Zilisch isn’t just a name to watch; he’s a name that’s already rewriting the narrative of NASCAR’s next generation. His combination of youthful fearlessness, technical mastery, and relentless work ethic positions him as a driver destined for championship glory—and perhaps a future place among the sport’s legends.