Connor Zilisch recounts his crash at Watkins Glen
With a smile and his left arm in a black sling, Connor Zilisch returned to Watkins Glen International on Sunday, sharing details of his concerning fall in the victory zone. After winning Saturday’s Xfinity race on the circuit, Zilisch suffered an unfortunate accident while trying to celebrate on his No. 88 Chevrolet. The 19-year-old was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with a fractured clavicle. Trackhouse Racing decided to withdraw the No. 87 Chevrolet that Zilisch 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 victory lane, a place usually filled with joy 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,” he explained. “The last thing I remember was being halfway through falling, so I’m glad it wasn’t worse, and that the collarbone is the extent of the injuries, 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 said. This season, Zilisch has proven to be a fast healer. After missing a race at Texas Motor Speedway due to a back injury sustained in a crash 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 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 as soon as possible.”“First of all, I’m okay,” Zilisch said during the Cup race 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 contacted me and wished me well. I appreciate it very much.”
Connor Zilisch
