Connor Zilisch Speaks After Watkins Glen Accident
Watkins Glen, N.Y. – Connor Zilisch, with a smile and his left arm in a sling, returned to Watkins Glen International on Sunday. The driver recounted his worrying fall in the victory area after winning the Xfinity race on Saturday. After his victory, Zilisch suffered a fall while trying to celebrate on his No. 88 Chevrolet. The 19-year-old driver was taken to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a broken collarbone. Trackhouse Racing withdrew the No. 87 Chevrolet that he was scheduled to drive in Sunday’s Cup race.Zilisch, 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 celebrations and jubilation. “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 and 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 be in today’s race.” Now, the unknown is whether Zilisch will be ready for the next Xfinity race on August 22 at the Daytona International Speedway.“First of all, I’m fine. Grateful to be able to get out of that, and although I didn’t walk out, I’m grateful to be well today. Thanks to the doctors who treated me and to everyone who wished me the best. I appreciate it very much,” said Zilisch.
Connor Zilisch
Zilisch has proven to be a fast healer this season. After missing a race at Texas Motor Speedway due to a back injury sustained in an accident at Talladega Superspeedway, he achieved eleven top-five finishes and five victories 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 quickly and I can get back to racing as soon as possible.”“We are still working with the doctors to determine what the next steps will be,” Zilisch said.
Connor Zilisch
