Connor Zilisch Returns to Watkins Glen After Celebration Accident
Watkins Glen, N.Y. – Connor Zilisch, with a smile and his left arm in a sling, made an appearance on Sunday at Watkins Glen International circuit. The young driver recounted the incident that occurred in the victory area after his victory on Saturday in the Xfinity race. Zilisch, 19, suffered a fall while trying to celebrate his victory over his Chevrolet No. 88. The accident resulted in a fractured clavicle. Because of this, Trackhouse Racing withdrew the Chevrolet No. 87 that Zilisch was scheduled to drive in Sunday’s Cup race.After his sixth victory of the season, Zilisch realized the seriousness of the situation immediately after the incident in the victory lane, a place usually filled with jubilation and celebrations. “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,” Zilisch explained. “The last thing I remember is being halfway out and falling, so I’m glad it wasn’t worse, and that the collarbone is the only thing affected, but I’m sorry I couldn’t participate in today’s race.” The focus is now on whether Zilisch will be ready for the next Xfinity race on August 22 at Daytona International Speedway. “We are still working with the doctors to determine what the next steps will be,” added Zilisch. Zilisch has proven to be a driver with a quick recovery. After missing a race at Texas Motor Speedway due to a back injury caused by an accident at Talladega Superspeedway, he achieved 11 consecutive top-five finishes and five victories since his return. He mentioned that his Trackhouse teammate, Shane van Gisbergen, “got it 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 to racing as soon as possible.”“I’m okay, overall,” Zilisch stated during the Cup race broadcast. “I’m very grateful to be able to walk away from this, and although I didn’t walk away, I’m very grateful to be okay today. Thanks to all the doctors who took care of me and everyone who cared about me. I appreciate it very much.”
Connor Zilisch
