Watkins Glen, N.Y. – With a smile and his left arm in a sling, Connor Zilisch returned to Watkins Glen International on Sunday, sharing details about his spectacular crash in the celebration area. After winning Saturday’s Xfinity race at the circuit, Zilisch suffered a fall while trying to climb into his No. 88 Chevrolet to celebrate the victory. The 19-year-old driver was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with a broken collarbone. Trackhouse Racing withdrew the No. 87 Chevrolet that he was scheduled to drive in Sunday’s Cup race at Watkins Glen.
After his sixth victory of the season, Zilisch realized the seriousness of the situation immediately after the incident in the celebration area, a place normally filled with jubilation and celebrations of the winning team. “Yes, I was getting out of the car and, obviously, the window net was on the door, and as soon as they started spraying water, my foot slipped,” he recounted. “The last thing I remember is being halfway and falling, so I’m glad it wasn’t worse, and that the collarbone is the only injury, but I’m sorry I couldn’t participate in today’s race.” Now, the question is whether Zilisch will be ready for the next Xfinity race on August 22 at Daytona International Speedway. “We are still working with all the doctors to determine what the next steps will be,” Zilisch commented. He has already proven to be a fast healer this season. After missing one race at Texas Motor Speedway due to a back injury sustained in an accident at Talladega Superspeedway, Zilisch had achieved 11 consecutive top-five finishes and five wins since his return. He mentioned that his Trackhouse teammate, Shane van Gisbergen, “got something put in once and raced the following weekend. So I don’t know if I’ll be that fast, but I hope my young bones heal quickly and I can get back on the track as soon as possible.”“First of all, I’m okay,” Zilisch said during the broadcast. “I’m very grateful to be able to get out of that, and I guess I didn’t walk out, but I’m very grateful to be walking today and to be okay. Thanks to all the doctors who took care of me and to everyone who reached out and wished me well. I appreciate it very much.”
Connor Zilisch
