Mick Foley, former WWE superstar, delivered a motivational video message for NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch after a rare incident left Zilisch injured at Watkins Glen International. This Connor Zilisch NASCAR injury update follows Zilisch’s celebration, where an unexpected mishap resulted in a broken collarbone just after securing his sixth win of the 2025 season.
How the Injury Happened During Celebration
Connor Zilisch sealed his latest victory at Watkins Glen International but suffered an injury while celebrating in Victory Lane. As he attempted to climb out of his #88 Chevy, his left foot became trapped in the window netting. He lost his balance and fell onto the concrete, breaking his collarbone. Surgery was needed to repair the injury; doctors inserted a metal plate to stabilize the bone. Medical scans of his head and neck found no additional injuries.
Mick Foley’s Message of Strength and Toughness
In support of Zilisch, Mick Foley recorded a video message, offering an example from motorsports legend Niki Lauda, who made a rapid return to racing after a life-threatening fire. Foley drew on his wrestling background and Lauda’s resilience:
“I can’t really tell you how to take a bump from a car, but I can tell you you will be back behind the wheel as soon as you possibly can, because you drivers are tough.” —Mick Foley, Retired WWE Wrestler
“That’s right. Now I say this is someone who did some pretty, pretty impressive things as far as toughness go, but in that one, Nikki Lauda, caught on fire, like, and he was, like, visibly burned, badly and he was back in his car, like, in a couple weeks. Incredible, the dedication that people, that people put in. So I am wishing you the very best. I know you work hard. This is a very unlikely injury for someone who puts it all on the line and then he gets injured in such an odd way, but I know you’ll be back. You’ll be better than ever.” —Mick Foley, Retired WWE Wrestler
To conclude his message, Foley quoted Rocky Balboa, reinforcing the values of perseverance:
“Life’s not about how hard you can hit. Life’s about how hard you can get it and keep getting it up and moving forward. That’s how winning it’s done.” —Mick Foley, Retired WWE Wrestler
Zilisch’s Performance in the Xfinity Series Standings
Despite the setback, Connor Zilisch remains the current points leader in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, boasting 823 points as he heads deeper into the 2025 season. His year has been marked by six race wins, 14 finishes inside the top ten, 12 top-five results, and a remarkable five pole positions over 22 starts. Over those events, he has led 547 laps and maintained an average starting position of just under seventh place. Teammates and rivals like William Byron and Justin Allgaier, along with substitute Kyle Larson, have all contributed to a highly competitive season.
Returning After Previous Injury at Talladega
Earlier in the 2025 season, Zilisch faced another challenge when he was involved in a crash at Talladega Superspeedway, where contact with Jesse Love sent him into the outside wall and left him with a back injury. This forced Zilisch to sit out the following race at Texas Motor Speedway, where Kyle Larson filled in and scored a victory for Hendrick Motorsports.
Zilisch Reflects on Recovery and Comeback
After a two-week break for recovery, Zilisch made his return at the BetMGM 300 held at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2025. He qualified second and, during a post-race interview, spoke candidly about his break and the renewed motivation it provided him:
“I felt really good. Sometimes, it’s good to get a few weeks off and reset. Really proud of this group. We had a really good car today. Just came up a little bit short, but we’ll go get them next week at Nashville and see what we can do there.” —Connor Zilisch, NASCAR Driver
In that Charlotte race, Zilisch maintained a high level of performance, finishing the opening stage in second place, staying within striking distance through the remaining laps, and ultimately claiming another runner-up finish behind William Byron, while defending champion Justin Allgaier also posted strong results.
What Comes Next for Connor Zilisch
Connor Zilisch’s willingness to battle through adversity and high-profile messages of encouragement from sports icons like Mick Foley have only added to the buzz surrounding his season. As Zilisch targets recovery from his latest setback, his determination, consistent results, and support from the motorsports community—including fellow drivers, champions, and teams like Hendrick Motorsports—stand out as he continues his campaign for the Xfinity Series title. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the young driver rebounds on his road back to full strength, with upcoming races promising more chances for Zilisch to demonstrate both his resilience and race-winning ability.
