The NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen delivered more than just high-speed drama—it brought record-breaking numbers to The CW. The network announced that Saturday’s event drew 1.096 million viewers, making it the most-watched Xfinity Series race from the track since 2018. With a 41 percent increase in viewership compared to last year’s broadcast on USA Network, the race confirmed a growing audience for the sport’s second-tier series. But beyond the television success, the race left a championship contender facing a physical setback and an unresolved future.
Key Highlights
Watkins Glen Xfinity Series race earned 1.096 million viewers for The CW.
Viewership was up 41% compared to 2023’s race on USA Network.
Connor Zilisch won his sixth race of the season but suffered a broken collarbone.
Trackhouse Racing weighing decisions about Zilisch’s immediate future.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. critical of late-race incident between Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen.
Ratings Milestone for The CW
Saturday’s Xfinity Series race marked a ratings breakthrough for The CW Sports, which is in its first year broadcasting NASCAR races. The 1.096 million total viewers represented a sharp 41 percent climb from the previous year’s Watkins Glen race.
The broadcast also hit a peak audience of 1.468 million between 6:30 and 6:45 p.m. ET, coinciding with the race’s decisive moments. For The CW, the numbers offered a clear indication that its NASCAR coverage is drawing attention, aided by the on-track drama and star power of the drivers.
— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) August 12, 2025
Connor Zilisch’s Victory Overshadowed by Injury
Connor Zilisch’s sixth win of the season should have been the weekend’s biggest headline, solidifying his dominance with four victories in the last five races. The 19-year-old phenom has been a fixture in the top five, extending that streak to 11 consecutive races. But the celebration turned somber when Zilisch fell from his car in victory lane, breaking his collarbone. On the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Zilisch explained that the injury might require surgery.
“I think it might be something that I might have to get surgery for. But in this case, I think surgery is something that speeds up the process, so you can get plates and screws and get it reconstructed back together. Shane [van Gisbergen] talked about it — he had an injury in 2021 and broke his collarbone — he had plates, screws, everything done and he was racing back the next weekend. Thankfully, the collarbone is a relatively quick bone to fix and heal.” – Connor Zilisch
The Xfinity Series is idle this week, with its return set for Aug. 22. While no timetable for Zilisch’s return has been set, his injury creates uncertainty for a championship run that seemed all but inevitable.
Team and Sponsor Deliberations on Connor Zilisch’s Future
Trackhouse Racing, which oversees Zilisch’s program in partnership with JR Motorsports and Chevrolet, faces a critical decision. Owner Justin Marks stressed that Zilisch’s health and long-term development will take priority over immediate results.
“I think it’s a discussion that we all have to have. We haven’t really talked about much obviously since yesterday, but in the little bit that we’ve discussed in some of the quiet moments over the last 24 hours, it’s going to have to be a group decision. It’s going to have to be sponsors, Chevrolet, the team, taking care of his development, taking care of him as a human and as an athlete, and then keeping his motivations high and making sure he knows he’s got a group of people behind him that are supportive of him.” – Justin Marks
With the playoffs nearing, the team’s decision could alter the trajectory of the Xfinity Series title picture.
Late-Race Clash Brings Owner Criticism
The anticipated battle between Zilisch and teammate Shane van Gisbergen ended prematurely when the two made contact with about 15 laps remaining. Zilisch clipped van Gisbergen while attempting a pass, sending the New Zealander off course and ending any chance of a head-to-head duel to the finish. JR Motorsports co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. analyzed the moment on his Dale Jr. Download podcast, expressing disappointment in how it unfolded.
“Connor coming back on the track and clipping him was avoidable. [SVG]’s shading left to make the entrance for Turn 7 and Connor’s options into Turn 7 (limited). He’s doing that and he had been doing this for many laps, to try to make it hard for Connor to get around. And he’s doing it again. And Connor didn’t cut him a break.”
“Connor could have lifted. Connor could have got back behind. There’s 15 laps in the race to go. This is like a last lap, last corner move. And there were so many laps left in the race. And we would have been gifted more laps of these two guys trying to battle.” – Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Earnhardt’s comments reflected a view that the incident not only robbed fans of an extended battle but also prevented a cleaner outcome for both drivers.
News in Brief: 2025 Watkins Glen Xfinity Race Viewership
The NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen delivered a ratings high for The CW, drawing 1.096 million viewers and marking a 41 percent increase over last year’s race. Connor Zilisch claimed his sixth win of the season but broke his collarbone in victory lane and faces possible surgery. Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks says his return will be a group decision involving sponsors and Chevrolet. A late-race incident between Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen drew criticism from Dale Earnhardt Jr.
ALSO READ: Fans React After Connor Zilisch’s Dad Mocks Watkins Glen Victory Lane Fall
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who won the Xfinity race today at Watkins Glen?
A. It was one of the toughest victories of 19-year-old Connor Zilisch’s NASCAR career, matching his pole-to-win debut last year at Watkins Glen International with a second straight triumph Saturday in a crash-filled Mission race.
Q. Did Connor Zilisch get hurt today?
Connor Zilisch broke his collarbone after a fall while celebrating his NASCAR Xfinity Series victory at Watkins Glen on Saturday. The incident occurred in victory lane when he climbed onto his car in the traditional winner’s celebration.
Q. How did Connor Zilisch fall?
A. The 19-year-old driver was climbing onto the roof of his No. 88 Chevrolet to celebrate his victory at Watkins Glen International in New York when his left foot appeared to catch on the window netting. He then lost his balance and fell hard onto Victory Lane.
