NASCAR Xfinity Series points leader Connor Zilisch suffered a setback after celebrating his sixth win of the season at Watkins Glen. While climbing onto his No. 88 car, Zilisch slipped on a wet window net and fell, breaking his collarbone. CT scans confirmed no head or spine injuries.
The 18-year-old remained upbeat, thanking medical crews and assuring fans he plans to return soon. He even attended the next day’s Cup Series race to support his team.
On Aug. 12, Zilisch underwent surgery to insert a plate and screws, a move designed to speed recovery.
Sports injury expert Dr. David Chao expects Zilisch to return well ahead of the standard six-week timeline:
“With surgical plating, recovery can be much faster. I’d take the under on six weeks,” Chao said, noting NFL players have returned in four weeks from similar injuries.
While racing is physically demanding, the constant impacts in football are greater, Chao added—giving Zilisch a strong chance to compete sooner, possibly by the Aug. 22 Daytona race.
Trackhouse Racing will decide his return in consultation with doctors, sponsors, and NASCAR officials. The current series schedule, which includes a week off, gives Zilisch extra recovery time to safeguard his championship hopes.
Sign up to our FREE Weekly Newsletter here for all of our best injury-insights, free injury-based picks and special offers!
