Connor Zilisch collarbone surgery update: On Tuesday morning, Connor Zilisch, driver of the No. 88 for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, underwent a collarbone operation following an unexpected accident at Watkins Glen International. The 19-year-old, who had just notched his sixth win of the 2025 season, sustained his injury while celebrating in Victory Lane, bringing concern for his participation in upcoming races.
Incident Follows Celebratory Win at Watkins Glen
After securing his impressive sixth victory of the year at Watkins Glen International, Zilisch exited his No. 88 Chevrolet to celebrate. However, while standing on the roof and door of his car, he slipped and fell, resulting in a broken collarbone. Despite the injury, he was released from the hospital later that night.
Zilisch’s injury forced him to miss his scheduled Cup Series debut in the No. 87 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing on Sunday, highlighting the immediate impact on his racing commitments.
Surgery Performed to Aid Recovery
Zilisch addressed the situation through social media, sharing an update with fans about his recovery process. He confirmed the surgical procedure was intended to stabilize his collarbone with a plate and screws, enhancing the healing process.
“Wanted to give everyone a quick update. Had surgery on my collarbone this morning to get a plate and screws to help with the healing process. Been a tough few days for me mentally, but all the love you guys have shown has certainly helped. Thank you❤️”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
Another Challenge in His Rookie Season
This marks the second significant injury in Zilisch’s first year on the Xfinity circuit. Previously, he missed the Texas Motor Speedway race after sustaining a back injury in a final-lap crash at Talladega Superspeedway. During his absence, Kyle Larson stepped in to drive the No. 88 Chevrolet at Texas and secured a victory for JR Motorsports, emphasizing the resilience and depth within the team.
Next Steps for Zilisch and JR Motorsports
As of now, JR Motorsports has not made an official statement regarding whether Zilisch will be out for additional races due to the collarbone operation. The Xfinity Series is taking a short break, with competition set to resume at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, August 22, giving Zilisch some time to recover. Race broadcasts will be available on The CW, MRN Radio, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, keeping fans updated on his status and the team’s performance.
Zilisch’s ability to return quickly will be important for his continued rookie campaign, and fans are closely watching updates from both the driver and JR Motorsports. The incident underscores the unpredictable challenges in motorsports and highlights Zilisch’s determination as he navigates the ups and downs of competitive racing.
