Connor Zilisch wrecks Van Gisbergen Watkins Glen in a dramatic Xfinity Series incident, as Zilisch and Van Gisbergen collided late in the race at Watkins Glen, sending Van Gisbergen airborne and out of competition. The crash took place with just eighteen laps remaining, intensifying the already high-stakes battle for the lead and leaving both drivers and their teams visibly frustrated by the outcome.
Collision Unfolds During Final Laps
With a limited number of laps left in the race, Zilisch managed to overtake Van Gisbergen to capture the front position. However, Zilisch ran wide on the corner exit, forcing him to re-enter the track where the front of his car made contact with the rear of Van Gisbergen’s vehicle. This abrupt collision caused Van Gisbergen to spin, crash into the wall, and experience a violent impact significant enough to launch his car into the air with all four wheels leaving the ground. The aftermath saw Van Gisbergen’s car severely damaged and unable to continue.
Driver Responses and Immediate Aftermath
Despite the intensity of the crash, Van Gisbergen was quick to confirm his safety over the team radio, exiting the wrecked car unassisted and visiting the medical care center. He was cleared of any injuries soon after. Reflecting on the race, Van Gisbergen remarked,
“Yeah, not ideal, pretty gutted really. Our car wasn’t great, but we still managed to get ourselves in a good position,”
—Van Gisbergen. When pressed about Zilisch’s involvement in the contact, Van Gisbergen added,
“I haven’t watched the incident yet, but will watch it later and sort it out,”
—Van Gisbergen.
Zilisch was heard over his team radio expressing uncertainty and concern regarding the incident, stating,
“I just don’t know where I could have done. He didn’t leave me any room to rejoin.”
—Zilisch. He then addressed his team anxiously,
“Don’t lie to me if I wrecked him either. … If I wrecked him, tell me.”
—Zilisch.
Impact on Race and Reflections
The collision between Connor Zilisch and Van Gisbergen dramatically altered the competitive landscape of the Xfinity Series event at Watkins Glen. While Van Gisbergen avoided injury and Zilisch continued in the race, the incident has triggered intense emotions and pointed questions about decisions made in high-pressure moments. The incident will likely be reviewed further, with both drivers and their teams having to assess what led up to the crash and how it could influence their future approach to racing under pressure at this level.
