Connor Zilisch Addresses Violent Talladega Wreck With Jesse Love - 'Grateful To Be Walking'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Connor Zilisch has addressed the scary wreck with his "best friend" Jesse Love during the NASCAR Xfinity race at Talladega.
The JR Motorsports driver was leading the Ag-Pro 300 on the last lap. However, his race was abruptly ruined when he shared contact with Love, which sent him off course.
He collided with the barriers nose first as his No. 88 continued to spin across the Talladega Superspeedway. Although he was able to get out of the car unassisted, he indicated that he had hurt his back.
Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 WeatherTech Chevrolet, gives a thumbs up to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26,...
Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 WeatherTech Chevrolet, gives a thumbs up to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2025 in Talladega, Alabama. MoreHe complained of back pain over the team radio, stating:
"Ow ow ow, my back ... ohhhhhh."
A replay of the finish at @TALLADEGA.@ConnorZilisch was evaluated and released from the infield care center following the race. pic.twitter.com/wbsDanVy2x — NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) April 26, 2025
While speaking to the media after being seen at the medical center, the 18-year-old explained:
"Yeah, I'm okay.
"That's one of the wrecks where you move your legs and make sure everything feels okay afterwards. So, very grateful to drive safe JR Motorsports race cars.
"Our WeatherTech Chevrolet was as fast as Xfinity Mobile. We were in the right spot, just, yeah, I haven't really watched it close enough to know what happened. But yeah, grateful to be up and walking."
Grateful to walk away from that feeling okay. Thank you for the safe and fast car @JRMotorsports — Connor Zilisch (@ConnorZilisch) April 26, 2025
The two drivers are close friends off the race track. Once Love, who finished the race in third, had completed his media duties, he made his way to the medical center to check on Zilisch.
"Yeah, that's great," Zilisch added. "Jesse's probably my best friend in the world, and I'm grateful to have someone like him who can come and stand in front of me, and you know, give me a hug after that."
Austin Hill went on to win the NASCAR Xfinity Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega, followed by Jeb Burton in second.
NASCAR Xfinity Series: Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega Superspeedway results
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