New York- USA- August 12, 2025
NASCAR driver Connor Zilisch, a rising star in the Xfinity Series, suffered a broken collarbone after a celebratory fall from his car in Victory Lane on Saturday. The incident occurred at Watkins Glen International in New York, just moments after the 19-year-old secured his sixth victory of the season in a thrilling race. The accident, which was captured on video, has been a sobering reminder of the dangers that can still be present even after the checkered flag has waved.
Zilisch was celebrating his win by climbing out of his No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet when he lost his footing and fell hard to the ground. In a social media post after being released from the hospital, Zilisch explained, “I was climbing out of the car, and obviously the window net was on the door and as soon as they started spraying water, my foot slipped and the last thing I remember was being halfway down and falling.” The driver’s post also thankfully confirmed that CT scans for his head were clear and that the broken collarbone was the extent of his injuries.
The frightening moment unfolded in front of a live television audience and the crowd at Watkins Glen. As Zilisch fell, he landed awkwardly, and medical personnel were on the scene within seconds. They quickly attended to him, placing him on a backboard and a neck brace as a precautionary measure before transporting him to the infield care center. He was later taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.
The seriousness of the injury was immediately evident when Trackhouse Racing, for whom Zilisch was scheduled to drive, announced they would be withdrawing his No. 87 Chevrolet from Sunday’s Cup Series race at the same track. This marked a disappointing end to a weekend that had been filled with triumph for the young driver, who has been a standout performer in the Xfinity Series this year.
The incident has sparked a conversation within the racing community and among fans about the safety of victory celebrations. While these moments of triumph are a cherished part of racing culture, they can also present unexpected risks. Zilisch’s fall has served as a powerful reminder that even in a controlled environment, an athlete’s safety can be compromised in a split second.
Zilisch, who is known for his aggressive racing style and promising talent, shared his gratitude for the swift response of the medical team, writing, “Thankful for all the medics for quick attention and grateful it wasn’t any worse.” The young driver, who was seen with his arm in a sling at the track on Sunday, now faces a period of recovery. The racing world wishes him a speedy and complete recovery, hoping to see him back on the track soon to continue his impressive season.
