Watkins Glen, N.Y. — What began as a celebration of yet another dominant NASCAR Xfinity Series win for Connor Zilisch quickly turned into a tense moment on Saturday, Aug. 9, at Watkins Glen International.
The 19-year-old JR Motorsports driver had just captured the checkered flag in the Mission 200 — his sixth victory of the 2025 season — when a post-race mishap left fans and crew members holding their breath. While climbing onto his No. 88 Chevrolet in Victory Lane, Zilisch placed one foot on the roof and the other on the window. He appeared to lose his balance, with his left foot catching in the window and twisting as he fell hard to the pavement.
NEW: NASCAR driver Connor Zilisch taken off by stretcher after falling from his car while celebrating his first place finish.
Zilisch was put on a stretcher and put into an ambulance before being sent to the infield care center.
“Zilisch had just scored his series-high sixth… pic.twitter.com/wqFIg1M1iG
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 9, 2025
For several moments, Zilisch remained motionless. Medical crews quickly responded, placing him on a backboard and transporting him by ambulance to the infield care center. He was later taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.
JR Motorsports released a statement saying Zilisch was awake and alert. NBC Sports’ Dustin Long reported that the young driver had sat up in the ambulance before reaching the care center. Zilisch’s father, Jim, also reassured fans on Facebook, noting that his son “is not in any danger.”
The incident came on a weekend where Zilisch was already in the spotlight. In addition to his Xfinity duties, he is set to compete in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen for Trackhouse Racing, where he qualified 25th earlier in the day.
Zilisch’s win adds to an already stellar season, solidifying his status as one of NASCAR’s brightest young prospects. His full-time move to the Cup Series is widely expected in 2026, but for now, his focus — and that of his fans — is on a full recovery before his next race.
