Connor Zilisch’s victory at Watkins Glen in Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race was supposed to be a moment of pure celebration. Instead, it ended with a terrifying incident that silenced the crowd. After taking the checkered flag and climbing out of his car, Zilisch attempted to step down with his right foot on the roof and his left on the driver’s side window when he appeared to slip. His feet became tangled in the window netting, sending his head crashing toward the pavement. He hit the ground hard and lay motionless for several seconds, sparking immediate concern from fans, crew members, and fellow drivers.
Track safety crews rushed to Connor’s aid, placing him on a backboard and loading him into an ambulance. The CW broadcast reported that he was speaking with medical personnel, and NBC Sports’ Dustin Long later shared that Connor sat up in the ambulance before being transported to the infield center. In a Facebook post, Jim Zilisch, Connor’s father, reassured fans, posting, “Connor is conscious and back to himself and in the infield center. Off to the hospital for for the evaluation, but is not in any danger. Will update more later this evening.”
From Jim Zilisch:#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/1QevLhLxUK
— Matthew Blackley (@MattBlackley_) August 9, 2025
Moreover, his crew chief, Mardy Lindley, was quick to praise despite the circumstances. Speaking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, he said, “Proud of Connor, that the drive he did today. I mean, you know, it wasn’t—it wasn’t perfect, you know. We had a caution come out, it put us a little behind, and he did such a great job of, you know, getting back to the field and getting the lead. And just proud of everybody at JRM, and, you know, just praying for Connor right now that he’s okay. I think he’s gonna be fine…So yeah, it’s just—and we know, I’ll know, how good Connor is on these road courses, and, so just really proud of him and the effort he puts in. He worked so hard at this, and, and so he’s getting results he deserves.”
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