WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — Trackhouse Racing development driver Connor Zilisch is determined to continue his pursuit of the Xfinity regular season title despite suffering a broken left collarbone in a fall from his car in Victory Lane at Watkins Glen on Saturday.
However, when he returns to racing remains up in the air and will depend on several factors, according to Trackhouse Racing team owner Justin Marks.
Marks emphasized that Zilisch’s return to the track will be a collective decision. It will involve discussions between sponsors, Chevrolet, the team, and others invested in Zilisch’s development and health.
“It’s going to have to be a group decision,” Marks said. “It’s about taking care of his development, his health, and ensuring he stays motivated and supported by a team behind him.”
Timing of Zilisch’s Return to Racing
The Xfinity Series is off next weekend, with the next race scheduled for August 22 at Daytona International Speedway. While Zilisch could potentially be medically cleared by then, there are concerns about whether it’s wise for him to race so soon after his injury.
Given the high speeds and potential for hard impacts, especially after Zilisch’s previous lower back injury sustained in a Talladega crash earlier this year, it might be safer for him to sit out the race.
Another option discussed is for Zilisch to return for the playoffs, which begin on September 12 at Bristol, giving him more time to recover. Marks acknowledged the importance of carefully evaluating the long-term implications, noting, “Zilisch has the potential to be a major asset for Trackhouse Racing for over two decades. A couple of missed races won’t change that trajectory.”
Zilisch’s Injury and Recovery
Zilisch, reflecting on the fall that led to his injury, expressed gratitude that it wasn’t more serious. “I’m so grateful my head’s okay, my legs are okay,” he said, describing the experience as “definitely scary for me and everybody who saw it.”
He recounted the incident: “I got up on the car and put my leg on the window net on the door… when they started spraying water, I just started to slide, and I lost my footing.
I remember my legs split the door, and that’s when I started to tumble. The last thing I remember was thinking I was going to break my leg.”
Despite the scary moment, Zilisch remained optimistic about his recovery. “I don’t think I’ll be that quick, but it’s an injury that can heal quicker than maybe some other bones in the body,” he said.
Trackhouse’s Decision to Withdraw Zilisch’s Car
Due to the injury, Trackhouse Racing made the decision to withdraw Zilisch’s car from Sunday’s race rather than putting another driver in the No. 87 car.
Marks explained that the decision was influenced by several factors, notably the sponsorship from Red Bull. “Red Bull speaks loudly,” Marks said. “They’re the one that’s paying the bill, and we didn’t want to dilute the program by putting someone else in the car. It’s about Connor and that program.”
Marks also shared that a discussion was held within the team about various options, but ultimately, the decision was made to prioritize Zilisch’s future and the integrity of the program.
A Long-Term Focus for Zilisch
As Zilisch continues to recover, his team and sponsors are focused on his long-term development rather than rushing his return.
“We have to approach this as such and make sure that we’re not hurting any long-term opportunities by taking advantage of a short-term opportunity,” Marks concluded, emphasizing Zilisch’s importance to Trackhouse Racing’s future.
While his immediate future in the Xfinity Series remains uncertain, Zilisch’s potential and the support of his team suggest that he will be back in racing when the time is right for both his health and career.
