Ride like lightning, crash like thunder.

PublishedAugust 10, 2025 5:52 PM EDT•UpdatedAugust 10, 2025 5:52 PM EDT

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NASCAR driver Connor Zilisch took a wild tumble after winning Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen. Zilisch was placed on a backboard and taken to a local hospital after knocking himself out from the fall.

READ: NASCAR Driver Connor Zilisch Wins at Watkins Glen, Breaks Collarbone In Scary Celebration Fall

The 19-year-old celebrated on Victory Lane, suddenly losing his step as he stuck halfway out of the racecar.

WATKINS GLEN, NEW YORK – AUGUST 09: Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Registix Chevrolet, leaps off his car in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Mission 200 at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 09, 2025 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

WATKINS GLEN, NEW YORK – AUGUST 09: Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Registix Chevrolet, is taken out on a stretcher by safety personnel after a fall in victory lane following his NASCAR Xfinity Series Mission 200 win at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 09, 2025 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Zilisch broke his collarbone in the fall and was removed from action on Sunday. 

The young racer still stopped by Watkins Glen with his left arm in a sling and provided a follow-up on his status after the mixed day on Saturday.

“First of all, I’m doing OK,” Zilisch said on Sunday (via ESPN). Trackhouse Racing withdrew the No. 87 Chevy after Zilisch was scratched from what would have been his fourth start.

“Very grateful to be able to walk away from that,” Zilisch continued, “and I guess I didn’t walk away, but I’m very grateful to be walking today and to just be all right. Thank you to all the medics who took care of me, and everybody who reached out and wished me well. I do appreciate it a lot.”

Zilisch recounted falling out of the window and waking up stuck halfway out of the vehicle. 

“Yeah, I was climbing out of the car and obviously the window net was on the door, and as soon as they started spraying water, my foot slipped,” he added. 

WATKINS GLEN, NEW YORK – AUGUST 09: Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Registix Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Mission 200 at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 09, 2025 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

“And the last thing I remember was being halfway down and falling, so I’m glad it wasn’t any worse, and that the collarbone is the extent of the injuries, but hate I couldn’t make it to the race today.”

Despite his stellar performance on the track Saturday afternoon, Zilisch is beating himself up for his folly. The win was his sixth of the season.

“I’ve definitely called myself a dummy more than once already.” A timeline for Zilisch’s return was not announced. 

WATKINS GLEN, NEW YORK – AUGUST 09: Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Registix Chevrolet, is taken out on a stretcher after a fall in victory lane following his NASCAR Xfinity Series Mission 200 win at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 09, 2025 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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