Zilisch out after Watkins Glen win with broken collarbone

Connor Zilisch, the 19-year-old NASCAR Xfinity Series standout for JR Motorsports, is recovering from a broken collarbone sustained in Victory Lane after winning the Watkins Glen race over the weekend. The young rookie underwent surgery to insert a plate and screws to help the clavicle heal, and he remains hospitalized as he begins the long process of recovery. The celebration incident also affected his immediate racing plans, as Trackhouse Racing withdrew the car he was slated to drive in the Cup Series, and the Xfinity Series is off for the weekend before resuming at Daytona International Speedway later this month.

The accident occurred in Victory Lane after Zilisch climbed onto the roof of his car to celebrate the win. His left foot became tangled in the door window netting, causing him to slip and fall to the asphalt. He was briefly knocked unconscious and was transported from the track on a backboard. Doctors later diagnosed a broken collarbone, and he had a surgical procedure to stabilize the bone. He provided updates from the hospital, noting that he had surgery to place a plate and screws and that the head CT scans were clear, offering some reassurance about his overall...