Connor Zilisch has been setting the Xfinity Series alight this season. His sixth victory of the year came on Saturday at Watkins Glen, but the celebration ended in a frightening incident that left him unconscious.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 88 JR Motorsports driver led 60 of 82 laps in the Mission 200 at The Glen, rebounding from 15th place at the end of Stage 1 to win Stage 2 and successfully defend his Watkins Glen crown. The 2.45-mile road course was the venue of his first Xfinity win last September.
This time, though, joy quickly gave way to concern. In a video posted by Speedway Digest on X, Zilisch was seen climbing out of his car, planting his right foot on the roof and his left on the window frame. However, he slipped after his feet got caught in the netting.
It sent Zilisch crashing headfirst onto the pavement. He was seen motionless before being placed on a backboard and loaded into an ambulance.
What happened to Connor in victory lane. He’s been taken to the infield care center at this time.#NASCAR https://t.co/cJLBWk4O1Y pic.twitter.com/LAZ0j2VTjY
— Speedway Digest (@speedwaydigest) August 9, 2025
The CW broadcast reported that Zilisch was speaking with medical staff. NBC Sports’ Dustin Long confirmed that Zilisch sat up in the ambulance en route to the infield care center. NASCAR officials later confirmed he was awake and alert but was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
Zilisch’s father shared an update on his Facebook account, writing, “Connor is conscious and back to himself and in the infield care center. Off to [the] hospital for further evaluation, but is not in any danger. Will update more later this evening.”
Fans and competitors alike voiced their concern and offered prayers, with Kyle Busch posting “@ConnorZilisch” on X.
Zilisch was supposed to drive the No. 87 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing in Sunday’s Cup Series race at Watkins Glen. However, his status remains uncertain. The 19-year-old has made three Cup starts this year, with a best finish of 11th at Atlanta in June.
In the Xfinity competition, he sits atop the standings with a season consisting of six wins, 12 top-fives, and 14 top-10s.
