During the recent NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen, rookie driver Connor Zilisch celebrated a remarkable victory that came with an unfortunate injury. His win, significant in Zilisch’s promising season, was overshadowed by a fall during the post-race celebration that resulted in a broken collarbone. Veteran NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin later reflected on the incident, explaining why he remains careful during his own victory celebrations.
The Incident During Zilisch’s Celebration at Watkins Glen
Connor Zilisch secured his sixth Xfinity Series win of the 2025 season in an impressive performance at Watkins Glen. Following the race, he aimed to mark his achievement by standing atop his No. 88 Chevrolet. However, the celebration quickly took a dangerous turn. Due to the wet surface from champagne spraying, Zilisch lost his footing and slipped. He fell heavily to the ground, striking his head first before landing on his shoulder.
This fall caused a broken collarbone, which forced Zilisch to withdraw from the Cup Series race held at the same venue the next day. He was promptly examined and released from the hospital before the Cup event began. Although collarbone injuries often heal reasonably fast, surgery could accelerate his recovery to as little as six weeks, potentially allowing him to compete when the playoffs start in September. Zilisch expressed his desire to pursue surgery to return to racing as quickly as possible.
Denny Hamlin’s Approach to Celebrating After Witnessing the Accident
Denny Hamlin, three-time Daytona 500 champion and driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, shared his thoughts about the risks involved in victory celebrations during his ‘Actions Detrimental’ podcast. Drawing from both his own experience and what he witnessed at Watkins Glen, Hamlin emphasized the necessity of caution in such moments.
“Back when I had knee surgery, getting out was a concern, like watching my step,”
Hamlin recalled.
“And I still to this day, you know, once it gets wet and like you see, I walk around rather gingerly just watching. That’s what you do when you get older.”
“You watch every step because you just don’t know which one will take you out,”
he added, highlighting how vigilance during celebrations helps avoid needless injuries.
Ongoing Recovery and Team’s Careful Consideration
Zilisch is currently consulting with medical professionals to decide on the best path forward, including whether to undergo surgery. Missing the upcoming Xfinity race at Daytona could affect his playoff eligibility, but NASCAR typically grants medical waivers to protect championship contenders in such cases. Given his successful season so far, his playoff hopes remain intact.
Justin Marks, owner of Trackhouse Racing, stressed that the team would not rush the decision regarding Zilisch’s treatment. With a brief gap in the racing schedule this week, the rookie can focus on recuperating, which may aid in a stronger comeback while preserving his championship aspirations.
