Connor Zilisch Speaks After Watkins Glen Accident
Watkins Glen, N.Y. – Connor Zilisch, with his left arm in a sling, returned to Watkins Glen International on Sunday, sharing details about his spectacular fall in the celebration area. After winning Saturday’s Xfinity race on the circuit, Zilisch suffered a fall while trying to celebrate on his No. 88 Chevrolet. 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 win of the season, Zilisch realized the seriousness of the situation immediately after the incident in the celebration area, which is usually a moment of jubilation with the team celebrating and throwing drinks. “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,” she explained. “The last thing I remember is being halfway down 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 run today.” The question now is 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 the next steps,” Zilisch said. He has already proven to be a fast healer this season. After a one-race absence 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, “had to undergo a procedure and raced the following weekend. I don’t know if I’ll be that quick, but I hope my young bones heal quickly and I can get back to racing as soon as possible.”“First of all, I’m okay,” Zilisch declared during the Cup race broadcast. “I’m very grateful to be able to walk away from that, well, not exactly walking, but grateful to be okay today. Thanks to all the doctors who took care of me, and to everyone who contacted me and wished me the best. I appreciate it very much.”
Connor Zilisch
