Shane van Gisbergen secured a commanding victory in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International on Sunday, showcasing his skill and composure. Meanwhile, his Trackhouse Racing teammate Connor Zilisch suffered a significant injury after falling while celebrating his win in the Saturday Xfinity Series race, creating a contrasting weekend for the team.
Zilisch’s celebration ended abruptly when he slipped and fell from the roof of his car, resulting in a broken collarbone that required hospital treatment and prevented him from competing in Sunday’s race. Despite the injury, he returned to Watkins Glen less than a day later with his arm in a sling, engaging with drivers and crew members at the event. Van Gisbergen was noticeably careful exiting his No. 88 Chevrolet in Victory Lane, a moment Trackhouse Racing playfully highlighted on social media, which Zilisch responded to with a lighthearted GIF.
Dominance on the Track: Van Gisbergen’s Record-Breaking Performance
Shane van Gisbergen finished the race with an impressive margin of 11.116 seconds ahead of Christopher Bell, marking his fourth career victory this season. This win establishes a new NASCAR Cup record for most victories by a rookie in a season, breaking the previous tie held by Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart. Van Gisbergen led for 38 laps and became the first driver in the Era of Electronic Timing and Scoring to claim multiple wins in a season with victory margins exceeding ten seconds, according to Seth Eggert of Race Face Digital.
Looking Ahead: Zilisch’s Recovery and Team Prospects
Although Zilisch was unable to race on Sunday, his presence at Watkins Glen demonstrated his determination and support for the team. There is currently no definitive timeline for his return to racing, as he is collaborating with doctors to determine the next steps for recovery. Speaking to Marty Snider of TNT Sports, Zilisch expressed hope fueled by van Gisbergen’s example, who managed to race shortly after undergoing surgery for a similar injury.
“We’re still working out with all the doctors to figure out what’s gonna be the next steps,”
Zilisch said.
“But I’ve got a little motivation from Shane [van Gisbergen], my teammate, he had a plate put in and raced the weekend after. So, I don’t know if I’ll be that quick but hopefully my young bones will heal fast, and I’ll be able to get back in it as soon as possible.”
—Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing driver
With van Gisbergen’s exceptional form and Zilisch’s recovery underway, Trackhouse Racing looks poised to maintain a strong presence in upcoming NASCAR events. The team’s resilience and camaraderie were evident throughout the Watkins Glen weekend, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs inherent in motorsport.
