The NASCAR race winner was placed on a stretcher after winning at Watkins Glen International
On Saturday, the NASCAR Xfinity Series raced at Watkins Glen International. It ended with a scary incident in victory lane.
Connor Zilisch lost the lead on the final restart. He fought back, reclaiming the lead and driving to victory lane.
Watkins Glen Results: August 9, 2025 (NASCAR Xfinity Series)
He drove the car to victory lane. He climbed out as the team celebrated with cheers. However, he then placed one leg on the roof while the other was on the door and at that moment, Zilisch lost his balance.
His left leg slipped inside the car. He then fell off the car with his left leg still trapped inside the car.
The 19-year-old hit head first on the concrete. He appeared to be knocked out as he laid near motionless. Victory lane went completely silent.
Connor Zilisch carrier to infield medical center on a stretcher
The medical team rushed to his aid. Moments later, he was speaking to the medical staff.
Zilisch was placed on a stretcher and carried to the ambulance. He was seen sitting upright while inside the ambulance before they drove him to the medical center.
Jamie McMurray stated via the CW, “That was super scary. Prayer to his whole family. That was just horrific to watch. Hopefully he’s okay.”
With the win at Watkins Glen, Zilisch now has six NASCAR Xfinity Series wins in 2025 alone. He’s the current point leader as the playoffs near during his first full-time season.
Zilisch raced in the NASCAR Truck Series race on Friday at the same track, before his win today. He’s also scheduled to race to tomorrow in the NASCAR Cup Series event.
Update: Trackhouse Racing has officially withdrawn the No. 87 car for Sunday’s race. Zilisch will not compete on Sunday.
Zilisch transported to hospital
Per an update from NASCAR, Connor Zilisch has been transported to a local hospital.
JR Motorsports confirmed, “As stated in the media center by NASCAR, Connor Zilisch is awake and alert and being transported to a local hospital for further evaluations.”
Update from the Zilisch family
The family of the driver released the following update:
“Connor Zilisch is conscious and back to himself and in the infield care center,” father Jim Zilisch stated via social media.
He added, “Off to the hospital for further evaluation but is not in any danger. Will update more later this evening.”
Update: Connor Zilisch comments after exiting the hospital
On Saturday night, Connor Zilisch issued the following update after a trip to the hospital:
“Thank you everybody for reaching out today,” Connor Zilisch opened.
He added, “I’m out of the hospital and getting better already. Thankfully, CT scans for my head are clear, I just have a broken collarbone. Thankful for all the medics for quick attention and grateful it wasn’t any worse.”
Zilisch is the NASCAR Xfinity Series point leader. In order to run for the playoffs, drivers are required to run every race. However, NASCAR does grant playoff waivers for medical reasons.
Update: Connor Zilisch has surgery
On Tuesday after the fall, Zilisch went into surgery. After exiting surgery, he then posted the following update:
“Wanted to give everyone a quick update. Had surgery on my collarbone this morning to get a plate and screws to help with the healing process,” Zilisch stated via social media.
He added, “Been a tough few days for me mentally, but all the love you guys have shown has certainly helped. Thank you.”
Update: Connor Zilisch comments on his recovery and the timeline for a return
Connor Zilisch falls in victory lane (Video)
Related: 16-car NASCAR crash brings out the red flag at Watkins Glen (Video)
