NASCAR Driver Connor Zilisch Discusses Dramatic Rollover Incident
NASCAR Driver Connor Zilisch on the Road to Recovery After Victory Lane Fall
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch is currently recovering from a broken collarbone sustained during a fall in the victory lane celebration at Watkins Glen on August 9, 2025. The fall occurred after Zilisch climbed onto the roof of his car to celebrate his sixth series win.
Zilisch expressed regret over his actions leading to the fall, stating, "I'm very grateful to be walking today and to just be all right." He was taken out on a stretcher after the fall and was briefly knocked unconscious but had no head injury. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment and underwent surgery on August 12, 2025.
Despite the injury, Zilisch is planning to return and compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Wawa 250 at Daytona International Speedway on August 22, 2025. The team and owner Justin Marks have indicated that this will be a group decision based on his readiness, but Zilisch is not expected to miss any races.
Trackhouse Racing withdrew the No. 87 Chevy from action on Sunday, and Zilisch appeared at Watkins Glen with his left arm in a sling. He took to social media to thank everyone who reached out and wished him well, expressing gratitude for the medics who took care of him and everyone who wished him well.
The injury occurred when Zilisch's left foot got caught in the window net while celebrating, resulting in a hard fall onto the asphalt. The Xfinity Series had a weekend off following Watkins Glen, allowing Zilisch time to recover before Daytona.
Zilisch's timeline for return is exceptionally short, and he is expected to resume racing within 13 days post-injury, assuming no complications arise. The final clearance to race is a joint decision by his team JR Motorsports and Trackhouse Racing ownership.
Zilisch's victory at Watkins Glen marked his sixth win of the season, and he is looking forward to getting back behind the wheel and continuing his successful season.
