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Connor Zilisch injury: What happened to NASCAR star? Bizarre fall after Xfinity win sparks concern
NASCAR’s Connor Zilisch fell on his neck exiting his car while celebrating his Mission 200 win at Watkins Glen. He said on X that he broke a collarbone.
Racecar driver Connor Zilisch fell bizarrely and injured himself while celebrating his win in Mission 200 of the NASCAR Xfinity Series at The Glen at Watkins Glen Internation in New York on Saturday. Zilisch fell on his neck as he tried to get out of his car through the window and stand on the roof.
In a post on X, Zilisch shared that he broke a collar bone and is now doing better. “Thank you everybody for reaching out today. I’m out of the hospital and getting better already,” he wrote.
“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."
He fell with his head down and seemed to seriously injure himself as he did not immediately move after the fall. He was loaded onto an ambulance and taken to the infield care unit for further treatment. A neckband was put on him, suggesting that he seriously injured his neck.
Here's the video of the fall:
NASCAR provided an update on the 19-year-old JR Motorsports driver. They said that he is awake and alert, and spoke to medical personnel as he was being taken to the infield care unit.
Here's a video of the Zilisch being loaded into an ambulance after the fall on the Victory Lane at The Glen:
Zilisch in the Chevrolet 88 took the pole position at the Mission 200 with a blistering qualifying lap of 1:10.884, edging out the competition to start at the front. Shane van Gisbergen, driving the Chevrolet #9, secured second place with a time of 1:11.446. Tanner Gray in the Toyota #54 claimed third with a 1:11.529.
The moment of the fall, which was broadcast live on television, sparked reactions among NASCAR fans. Even those who attended the event were shocked to see the 19-year-old, who is slated for his fourth cup start on Sunday, take such a terrible fall.
A group of NASCAR fans gathered outside the medical unit where the NASCAR driver was undergoing treatment and offered collective prayers for his recovery:
Here's the video of fans outside the medical facility:
Also read: NASCAR legend concerned for Connor Zilisch after scary fall at Watkins Glen: ‘Prayers’
Additionally, social media was flooded with reactions as viewers witnessed the fall on live TV. Here are some of the social media reactions:
“Praying Connor Zilisch is ok . Was a hard fall. Never ever nice to see,” oner user said.
“Just saw Connor Zilisch's fall. Holy crap, that was terrifying. I hope he's okay,” said another.
“Prayers go out to Connor Zilisch, I hope he’s ok,” wrote one.
An official word from NASCAR and JR Motorsports on whether Zillisch will start the NASCAR Cup Series' Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on Sunday.
