Connor Zilisch fell awkwardly while celebrating his win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series
He was placed on a backboard, put in an ambulance and eventually taken to a local hospital
He was released Saturday night and says he has a broken collarbone
Connor Zilisch took the checkered flag Saturday in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen, but his celebration was short-lived after he took a nasty fall that landed him in an ambulance.
Zilisch had climbed out of his car and had his right foot on the roof and the left on the window when he appeared to slip, his feet getting caught in the netting and sending his head hurtling toward the ground. He hit the pavement hard and did not immediately move.
He was placed on a backboard and eventually loaded into an ambulance. The CW broadcast said Zilisch was speaking with medical personnel. NBC Sports’ Dustin Long said Zilisch sat up in the ambulance, which was taking him to the infield care center.
Connor Zilisch injury update
Zilisch, 19, took to social media himself a few minutes after JR Motorsports’ announcement. He said he has a broken collarbone.
‘Thank you everybody for reaching out today,’ Zilisch wrote on X. ‘I’m out of the hospital and getting better already. 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.’
Zilisch was slated to take part in Sunday’s Cup Series race at Watkins Glen, but Trackhouse Racing said late Saturday night that the No. 87 would be withdrawn. ‘We wish Connor a speedy recovery,’ Trackhouse said in its statement.
This story has been updated with new information.