Connor Zilisch Injured in Post-Race Celebration After Watkins Glen Win
Watkins Glen, N.Y. — Connor Zilisch’s dominant Xfinity Series season continued on Saturday with his sixth victory of the year at Watkins Glen International, but his celebration took an unfortunate turn moments after taking the checkered flag.
The 18-year-old standout climbed from his car on the frontstretch to celebrate with the crowd, but slipped and fell while exiting the cockpit. Zilisch landed hard on the asphalt, striking his head and injuring his shoulder in the process.
Track safety crews rushed to his aid, placing him on a stretcher before transporting him to the infield care center. After evaluation, it was confirmed that Zilisch had suffered a broken collarbone. Fortunately, despite the scary scene, he remained alert and conscious throughout the incident.
NBC Sports reported that Zilisch was scheduled to make his fourth NASCAR Cup Series start on Sunday in the Go Bowling at The Glen, but the injury will sideline him from competing in that event.
Zilisch’s Xfinity campaign has been nothing short of remarkable, with multiple wins and consistent top-tier performances placing him firmly in the championship conversation. However, the injury comes at a challenging point in the season, potentially impacting his rhythm as the playoffs approach.
Team officials expressed relief that the injury wasn’t more severe and noted that his recovery timeline will be evaluated in the coming days. Fans flooded social media with messages of support for the young driver, many joking that his “celebration style” could use some fine-tuning.
For now, Zilisch’s focus shifts from the Cup Series spotlight back to rest and recovery — with hopes that his next victory celebration will end with nothing more dramatic than a trophy and a smile.
