NASCAR Race Winner Suffers Injury following a Fall during Celebrations at Watkins Glen (Footage Available)
Connor Zilisch Sustains Broken Collarbone in Victory Celebration, Set to Return for Daytona Race
After a thrilling victory at Watkins Glen International, NASCAR Xfinity Series leader Connor Zilisch suffered a broken collarbone in a fall during the victory celebration. The incident occurred when Zilisch slipped and tumbled awkwardly onto the asphalt after getting his left foot caught in the driver's side window netting.
Despite the setback, Zilisch underwent surgery and had a plate and screws inserted to aid his recovery. As of August 13, 2025, he was still in the hospital, expressing gratitude for the support he received and noting the mental challenge of recovery.
The accident forced Zilisch to miss the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen. His No. 87 car, which he was scheduled to drive, was withdrawn from the event by Trackhouse Racing. However, Zilisch is expected to return for the next Xfinity Series race on August 22 at Daytona International Speedway. The exact timeline for his full return remains unclear.
Mardy Lindley, Zilisch's crew chief, expressed concern for his well-being, stating that he believes Zilisch will be fine. Zilisch himself expressed gratitude for the quick attention of the medics and for the injury not being worse.
This is not the first time Zilisch has had to contend with injury this season. Earlier this year, he missed a race at Texas Motor Speedway due to a back injury sustained during a crash at Talladega Superspeedway. Since his return, Zilisch has been on a roll, posting 11 consecutive top-five finishes and five wins.
In the race at Watkins Glen, Zilisch was bumped from the lead to fifth on a restart, but managed to reclaim first place and lead the final four laps. It was a fitting end to an eventful day for Zilisch, who drives for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s JR Motorsports team.
Further details about the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen International, such as the time, channel, or live stream, were not provided. The race is scheduled to start at 12:01 p.m. on Aug. 9, 2025.
[1] NASCAR.com - Connor Zilisch Sustains Broken Collarbone in Victory Lane Fall [2] Motorsport.com - Connor Zilisch Undergoes Surgery for Broken Collarbone [3] Racer.com - CT Scans Clear for Connor Zilisch After Victory Lane Fall [4] Autoweek.com - Connor Zilisch Expected to Return After Broken Collarbone Surgery [5] Zilisch's Official Twitter - Grateful for Support During Recovery from Broken Collarbone Surgery
Zilisch will be competing in the upcoming Xfinity Series race on August 22 at Daytona International Speedway, despite suffering a broken collarbone in a victory celebration. This is not his first injury this season, as he previously missed a race due to a back injury.
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