NASCAR winner falls from car while celebrating - and breaks his collarbone

(Motorsport-Total.com) - Connor Zilisch will probably always remember this victory in the NASCAR Xfinity Series: The 19-year-old, who is considered a great talent in the NASCAR scene, had just achieved his sixth victory of the season in Watkins Glen when a serious incident occurred while celebrating in Victory Lane.

Zilisch had just climbed onto the roof of his Chevrolet to be celebrated when he apparently lost his balance and fell to the ground. Unfortunately, the American's left foot caught in the window, causing him to crash onto his upper body without stopping.

The NASCAR driver remained dazed on the concrete floor, but paramedics immediately rushed to his aid. Zilisch, who was described as "awake and responsive" according to an official statement, was initially taken to the medical center and subsequently hospitalized.

Zilisch breaks his collarbone

A short time later, Zilisch posted on X (formerly Twitter). "Thanks to everyone who contacted me today," the 19-year-old wrote. "I'm out of the hospital and I'm already feeling better. Luckily, the CT scans of my head are normal; I only have a broken collarbone."

"Thanks to all the paramedics for their quick help—and I'm grateful it wasn't worse." However, the unusual accident could have consequences for his racing success: Zilisch is currently leading the NASCAR Xfinity Series, but is now out due to injury.

Zilisch also had to cancel his fourth guest start in the higher NASCAR Cup Series, which he had originally planned to make on Sunday at Watkins Glen, at short notice. The 19-year-old had already had to sit out a race in June after a crash at Talladega, injuring his back.

But Zilisch, who is in his rookie season, is currently the benchmark: His victory on Saturday was his fifth in the last eight races. It remains to be seen when the talented driver will return to the race car. However, he is expected to get a full-time cockpit in the NASCAR Cup Series next year.