Connor Zilisch walks the grid at Watkins Glen one day after suffering broken collarbone
Connor Zilisch is back at Watkins Glen International Sunday less than 24 hours removed from suffering a broken collarbone after his win in the Xfinity Series race. Zilisch, wearing a sling on his left arm, spent time chatting with drivers and crew members.
The 19-year-old was supposed to be in the field for Sunday’s Cup Series race. But following the Xfinity race, Zilisch slipped and fell off the top of his car while celebrating in Victory Lane. Zilisch fell awkwardly on the ground and was transported to a nearby hospital. Zilisch said he suffered a broken collarbone. As a result, Trackhouse Racing was forced to withdraw the No. 87 car from the race.
“Thank you everybody for reaching out today,” Zilisch wrote on X. “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 in good spirits after scary fall at Watkins Glen
Before his scary fall, Zilisch dusted the field at Watkins Glen to pick up his series-leading sixth win of the season. As you would expect, Zilisch spent much of the day battling alongside Shane van Gisbergen. The two road course aces eventually made contact late in the race, resulting in van Gisbergen slamming into the wall.
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Zilisch continued on to tally his fourth win in his last five starts. Zilisch climbed past JR Motorsports teammate Justin Allgaier in the race for the regular season championship.
Obviously, however, the main focus is on Zilisch’s health. The Xfinity Series is off next weekend before returning Aug. 22 at Daytona International Speedway. Zilisch has already missed one race this season due to a back injury.
As for van Gisbergen, Zilisch’s Trackhouse Racing teammate, he is going for win No. 4 of the 2025 season. The road course ace is once again the favorite, though Ryan Blaney edged him out for the pole.