2025-08-10T23:51:12Z

---

In a jaw-dropping turn of events, NASCAR rookie Connor Zilisch, just 19 years old, faces a daunting setback after a celebratory moment took a tragic twist. During a post-race celebration, he fell off the roof of his car and broke his collarbone, forcing him to miss the Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International in New York.

The incident unfolded after Zilisch clinched victory at the Mission 200 during the Xfinity Series race. Eager to share his triumph with fans, he clambered onto the roof of his No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, balancing precariously with one foot on the roof and the other on the window ledge. As he posed for photographs, his lack of balance led to a heart-stopping fall, landing him head-first on the ground.

The severity of the incident prompted immediate medical response, with Zilisch being taken off the track on a backboard and rushed to the hospital via ambulance. Fortunately, he later reassured his fans through social media, sharing that he had avoided a head injury, a relief given the circumstances. “Thank you everybody for reaching out today. I’m out of the hospital and getting better already,” he posted on X. “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.”

This victory marked Zilisch’s sixth win of the season, a significant achievement in his burgeoning career. However, the excitement of his win quickly turned to concern as Trackhouse Racing announced that Zilisch’s No. 87 Chevrolet would not participate in the Go Bowling at The Glen race on Sunday afternoon.

NASCAR confirmed that while Zilisch was “awake and alert” throughout his treatment, his injury means he’ll have to sit this one out. The young driver had a packed weekend planned, finishing eighth in the Truck Series competition just the day prior and qualifying 25th for the Cup Series race.

Looking ahead, fans of Zilisch can expect to see him transition to full-time racing in the Cup Series by 2026, making this setback all the more bittersweet.