NASCAR to Adopt Preventive Action After Connor Zilisch's Watkins Glen Fall
NASCAR has confirmed that it will adopt a preventive measure to ensure a driver remains safe while celebrating in the Victory Lane. However, the sport will not stop drivers from celebrating in the manner that Connor Zilisch did, which led to his fall at Watkins Glen.
Zilisch climbed atop his car after winning the Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen International. However, he soon slipped and fell head first on the ground. The impact led to a broken collarbone.
The 19-year-old driver has been leading the Xfinity points standings and was due to race the next day in the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing. However, it was impossible for him to take part due to his injury.
Zilisch underwent surgery on his shoulder to expedite his recovery so he can get back to the world of racing as soon as possible. Taking his fall into account, NASCAR managing director of communications, Mike Forde, pointed out that the window net on Zilisch's car was "flapping on the outside," which led to the incident. Speaking on the Hauler Talk podcast, Forde confirmed that the sport will take steps to ensure the net remains inside. He said:
Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Registix Chevrolet, slips and falls off his car in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Mission 200 at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 09,...
Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Registix Chevrolet, slips and falls off his car in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Mission 200 at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 09, 2025 in Watkins Glen, New York. More"I think that was part of the problem that the window net was flapping on the outside. I think Connor even said that may have been a problem, and one of our safety guys actually mentioned the same thing. So, we may do just sort of a check to make sure that if that's inside the car, it's one less thing you can slip on."
Forde also confirmed that NASCAR will not restrict its drivers from climbing on their door sill or their cars during Victory Lane celebrations. He said:
"We have not put in any policies or best practices or anything like that."
Related: NASCAR's Connor Zilisch Gets Trolled by His Father After 'Embarrassing' Fall
Speaking of Zilisch's return to racing, it hasn't been confirmed if he will be in a position to take part in the Wawa 250 at the Daytona International Speedway. Trackhouse team owner Justin Marks opened up on the topic of when Zilisch will be able to race. Newsweek Sports reported his statement:
"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."
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