‘Fall Risk’ Connor Zilisch comments from the hospital
Connor Zilisch drove to the win at Watkins Glen International. He climbed from the car in victory lane and stood on the door to celebrate, a move that’s made hundreds of times every weekend by racers across the globe.
However, as Zilisch turned, his foot slipped on the window net that hung over the door. His foot slipped inside the car as he began falling outside the car.
With his leg trapped inside the car, he was catapulted face first to the ground. The race winner knocked himself out as his head hit the pavement.
Victory lane went completely silent as the medical team was there within seconds.
Connor Zilisch falls unconscious after NASCAR win (Video)
A neck brace was stalled on the race winner. Zilisch was then placed on a stretcher and carried to the ambulance.
After a brief trip to the infield care center, he was transported to a local hospital. The 19-year-old driver had CT scans and he was cleared on those scans.
However, he did suffer a fractured collarbone. Surgery was scheduled for Tuesday.
“Now that I know I’ll be alright, it’s gonna be tough to make a comeback from this generational aura debt. Dang, at least I won,” Zilisch stated in the days after the incident.
Zilisch was told by another driver that NASCAR planned to limit victory lane celebrations. Since then, NASCAR has commented, clarifying the rumor.
Connor Zilisch says NASCAR has new victory lane rules after his fall
Tuesday surgery 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.”
Zilisch is a future superstar that’s likely heading to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026. He currently leads the NASCAR Xfinity Series point standings with 6 wins this season. For of those wins have come in the last five races.
Shane van Gisbergen says Zilisch will likely return quickly
On Sunday, Zilisch’s teammate Shane van Gisbergen drove to victory lane in the NASCAR Cup Series race. The driver suffered a similar injury a few years ago…
“I broke my collarbone in 2021,” Shane van Gisbergen stated in the media center after the win.
“Mine was a bit out, by the AC. I did a bit more damage to my shoulder. Then also, I had a fake ligament put in.”
“But, I had a weekend off and then I raced the next week. So, pretty much what he’s going to go through.”
“But, once the plate’s in there, it’s stronger than the bone was. So yeah, I’d get a plate put in there and then take it out at the end of the year.”
“My biggest problem was the belts. The tightening of the belts, I could really feel the plate through the skin. It was a horrible feeling.”
“But, I raced the next week and did pretty well. With some good doctors and some good drugs, he’ll get through the race fine.”
The NASCAR Xfinity Series has an off week this weekend. The series returns the week after via Daytona International Speedway.
Connor Zilisch comments on his recovery and the timeline for a return
