SHANE van Gisbergen has been there, done that when it comes to racing with a broken collarbone, with the Kiwi having some prime advice for Trackhouse Racing teammate Connor Zilisch, who suffered a similar injury in a victory lane fall at Watkins Glen.
Just prior to the 2021 Sandown SuperSprint, van Gisbergen broke a collarbone and three ribs in a mountain bike accident.
After having a metal plate inserted, van Gisbergen went on to demolish the Supercars field, with three convincing race wins, with one coming from 17th on the grid.
SVG subsequently went on to claim the title, before having further post-season surgery.
“I broke my collarbone in 2021, left side, mine was a bit out by the AC,” said van Gisbergen.
“I did a bit more damage to my shoulder, and also, I had a fake ligament put in.
“I had a weekend off, and then I raced the next week, so pretty much what he’s going to go through.
“But once the plate is in there, it’s stronger than the bone was.
“I’d get a plate put in and then take it out at the end of the year.
“But it’s obviously going to be in pain.
“My biggest problem was the tightening of the belts, I could really feel the plate through the skin, and it was a horrible feeling.
“I raced the next week and did pretty well.
“With some good doctors and some good drugs, he’ll get through the race fine.
“Obviously, he’s in our thoughts.
“I always have bad dreams of slipping over and doing that in front of everyone.
“(Today) I just got out like I normally did, but I definitely didn’t get on the roof in Victory Lane!”
Van Gisbergen and Zilisch are noted as being friends off-track, and on-track, they have raced closely on the occasions the Kiwi has moonlighted in the second-tier Xfinity Series this year.
Zilisch went on to win the race before he suffered his post-race accident.