Watkins Glen, N.Y. – Connor Zilisch, with a smile and his left arm in a sling, returned to the Watkins Glen International circuit on Sunday, sharing details about his spectacular fall in the victory zone. After winning Saturday’s Xfinity race at this track, Zilisch suffered a fall while celebrating 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.
“First of all, I’m okay,” Zilisch stated during the Cup race broadcast. “I’m very grateful to be able to get out of this, and although I didn’t walk out, I feel very grateful to be able to walk today and be okay. Thanks to all the doctors who took care of me and to everyone who reached out to wish me the best. I appreciate it very much.”
Connor ZilischZilisch, after his sixth victory of the season, realized the seriousness of the situation immediately after the incident in the victory zone, a place usually filled with euphoria 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 is being halfway down falling, so I’m glad it wasn’t worse and that the collarbone is the only injury, but I’m sorry I can’t participate in today’s race.” Now, the uncertainty centers 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 the next steps», added Zilisch. 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 an accident at Talladega Superspeedway, Zilisch achieved 11 consecutive top-five finishes and five wins since his return. He mentioned that his Trackhouse teammate, Shane van Gisbergen, “put something on once and raced the following weekend. I don’t know if I’ll be that quick, but I hope my young bones heal fast and I can get back to racing as soon as possible.”
