{"id":53867,"date":"2025-08-09T21:14:07","date_gmt":"2025-08-10T02:14:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/?p=53867"},"modified":"2025-08-10T12:30:54","modified_gmt":"2025-08-10T17:30:54","slug":"zilisch-captures-second-consecutive-win-transported-to-hospital-following-victory-lane-fall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/09\/zilisch-captures-second-consecutive-win-transported-to-hospital-following-victory-lane-fall\/","title":{"rendered":"Zilisch captures second consecutive win; transported to hospital following Victory Lane fall"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Holly Cain, NASCAR Wire Service<\/em><\/p>\n

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. \u2013 It was as hard-earned a victory as the 19-year old Connor Zilisch has claimed in his brief NASCAR career \u2013 answering his win from pole position a year ago in his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at the historic Watkins Glen International road course with a second consecutive victory Saturday afternoon in a crash-heavy Mission 200 at The Glen.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Registix Chevrolet, takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Xfinity Series Mission 200 at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 09, 2025 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Sean Gardner\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

As Zilisch climbed out of the cockpit and onto the door ledge of his No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet to celebrate his series-best sixth trophy of the season, he slipped and fell to the ground. Medical teams arrived immediately to tend to him and transported him on a backboard to the trackside medical center.<\/p>\n

NASCAR confirmed Zilisch was \u201cawake and alert\u201d and that he was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.<\/p>\n

The incident followed an action-packed day of competition on the famed 2.45-mile road course that included fierce racing at the front of the field and a 45-minute red flag for a series\u2019 track record 16-car accident with eight laps remaining.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Registix Chevrolet, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Mission 200 at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 09, 2025 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Sean Gardner\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

Ultimately, Zilisch \u2013 who led 60 of the race\u2019s 82 laps — motored off to a 2.326-second win over Haas Factory Team\u2019s Sam Mayer \u2013 that sixth win, one shy of Christopher Bell\u2019s rookie record six victories set in 2018.<\/p>\n

It was an afternoon of high drama throughout the field.<\/p>\n

The highly-anticipated competitive duel between the JR Motorsports teammates Zilisch and road course ace Shane Van Gisbergen at the front of the field was evident from the weekend\u2019s practice and qualifying – and ultimately the race. Zilisch claimed the pole position and started alongside the 35-year old former Australian SuperCar Series champion on the front row; something that has become a familiar look for the road racing aces.<\/p>\n

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Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Registix Chevrolet, and Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #9 Kubota Chevrolet, lead the field during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Mission 200 at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 09, 2025 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Sean Gardner\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

For much of the day it looked like the final outcome would indeed come down to Zilisch and Van Gisbergen. They raced out front for the majority of the day before making contact with 16 laps remaining.<\/p>\n

Zilisch inherited the lead and immediately relayed to his crew \u201che [Van Gisbergen] spun off my nose\u201d and told his crew again \u201cif I wrecked him, tell me.\u201d He was told to \u201cshake it off\u201d and go racing.<\/p>\n

Van Gisbergen, who will start from outside the front row again in Sunday\u2019s NASCAR Cup Series race at the track did not put any blame on Zilisch and said he needed to look at a replay.<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty gutted really, gutted for the JR Motorsports guys,\u2019\u2019 Van Gisbergen said. \u201cThe car wasn\u2019t great but we still managed to get ourselves in good position.<\/p>\n

\"\"

William Sawalich, driver of the #18 Soundgear Toyota, and Sam Mayer, driver of the #41 Audibel Ford, race during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Mission 200 at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 09, 2025 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Chris Graythen\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t seen it yet,\u2019\u2019 he said when pressed on what happened. \u201cWill watch it later and work it out.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

On the ensuing green flag from the incident, Austin Hill\u2019s No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevy tagged the right rear of Zilisch\u2019s car going into the first turn, giving the veteran Hill the lead as Zilisch gathered his car wide of the racing line. A caution came out immediately for debris elsewhere on track putting Hill and NASCAR Cup Series road racing ace Michael McDowell out front for a restart.<\/p>\n

Only eight laps after that, Zilisch raced forward from fifth place and navigated around Hill. Moments later Hill\u2019s car had big contact with McDowell\u2019s triggering the massive 16-car pileup.<\/p>\n

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Justin Allgaier, driver of the #7 BRANDT Chevrolet, and Taylor Gray, driver of the #54 Operation 300 Toyota, race during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Mission 200 at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 09, 2025 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Chris Graythen\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

McDowell, the 2021 Daytona 500 winner, took the most dramatic hit in the big accident, sliding hard into the walls on both sides of the Turns 5 and 6 section of the course. Despite the stirring incident in his first NASCAR Xfinity Series start in nine years, McDowell was not injured, however, and gave a complete review of the incident, even offering a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was unfortunate and I just hate it for everybody at Kaulig Racing,\u2019\u2019 McDowell said of the crash. \u201cWe had a couple shots at it and was hoping to get to victory lane but that was unfortunate. \u2026 But that\u2019s racing and thankful to everybody at Kaulig. Was trying to do a good job for them there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hill, who ultimately finished fourth, spoke with The CW television live broadcast during the red flag.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 11 [McDowell] had been struggling a little bit in front of me for a few laps,\u2019\u2019 Hill said of the incident. \u201cI thought if I got a big enough run I might could get to his left side and get that position.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #9 Kubota Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Mission 200 at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 09, 2025 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Sean Gardner\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI hate it for everyone involved, that was definitely not what I wanted to happen coming back from what we had going on,\u2019\u2019 continued Hill. \u201cAll we can do is get it behind us, put our head down and we\u2019ve still got a shot to win this thing. Got to get my mind right for this re-start.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

Zilisch\u2019s JR Motorsports teammate Sammy Smith finished third followed by Hill and JRM\u2019s Carson Kvapil and Justin Allgaier.<\/p>\n

Jordan Anderson Racing\u2019s Austin Green, Kaulig Racing\u2019s Christian Eckes, Joe Gibbs Racing\u2019s Brandon Jones and AM Racing\u2019s Harrison Burton rounded out the top-10.<\/p>\n

Three races remain now before the Playoffs. Zilisch and his teammate Allgaier – who each won a race stage on Saturday and remain atop the championship standings. Zilisch leads Allgaier by seven points.<\/p>\n

With his 10th-place showing, Burton is holding on to the important 12th place Playoff transfer position. He is 30 points ahead of his cousin Jeb Burton and 38 up on Ryan Sieg.<\/p>\n

The NASCAR Xfinity Series will take a one-week break this weekend before returning to competition in the Aug. 22 Friday night Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola  (7:30 p.m. ET, The CW, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Ryan Truex is the defending race winner.<\/p>\n

NASCAR Xfinity Series Race – Mission 200 At The Glen<\/b><\/p>\n

Watkins Glen International<\/b><\/p>\n

Watkins Glen, New York<\/b><\/p>\n

Saturday, August 9, 2025<\/b><\/p>\n

                  1. (1)  Connor Zilisch #, Chevrolet, 82.<\/p>\n

                  2. (4)  Sam Mayer, Ford, 82.<\/p>\n

                  3. (6)  Sammy Smith, Chevrolet, 82.<\/p>\n

                  4. (10)  Austin Hill, Chevrolet, 82.<\/p>\n

                  5. (14)  Carson Kvapil #, Chevrolet, 82.<\/p>\n

                  6. (9)  Justin Allgaier, Chevrolet, 82.<\/p>\n

                  7. (18)  Austin Green, Chevrolet, 82.<\/p>\n

                  8. (36)  Christian Eckes #, Chevrolet, 82.<\/p>\n

                  9. (13)  Brandon Jones, Toyota, 82.<\/p>\n

                  10. (17)  Harrison Burton, Ford, 82.<\/p>\n

                  11. (8)  Kaz Grala(i), Toyota, 82.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  12. (31)  Brennan Poole, Chevrolet, 82.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  13. (19)  Dean Thompson #, Toyota, 82.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  14. (15)  Jesse Love, Chevrolet, 82.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  15. (30)  Jeremy Clements, Chevrolet, 82.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  16. (23)  Jeb Burton, Chevrolet, 82.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  17. (21)  Daniel Dye #, Chevrolet, 82.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  <\/span>18. (3)  Taylor Gray #, Toyota, 82.<\/p>\n

                  19. (26)  Stefan Parsons(i), Chevrolet, 82.<\/p>\n

                  20. (38)  Austin J. Hill, Chevrolet, 82.<\/p>\n

                  21. (35)  Glen Reen, Toyota, 82.<\/p>\n

                  22. (22)  Parker Retzlaff, Chevrolet, 82.<\/p>\n

                  23. (32)  Blaine Perkins, Chevrolet, 80.<\/p>\n

                  24. (7)  Nick Sanchez #, Chevrolet, Accident, 75.<\/p>\n

                  25. (12)  Michael McDowell(i), Chevrolet, Accident, 73.<\/p>\n

                  26. (5)  William Sawalich #, Toyota, Accident, 73.<\/p>\n

                  27. (27)  Josh Bilicki, Chevrolet, Accident, 73.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  28. (29)  Ryan Sieg, Ford, Accident, 73.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  29. (33)  Ryan Ellis, Chevrolet, Accident, 73.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  <\/span>30. (28)  Kyle Sieg, Ford, Accident, 73.<\/p>\n

                  31. (2)  Shane Van Gisbergen(i), Chevrolet, Accident, 64.<\/p>\n

                  32. (20)  Anthony Alfredo, Chevrolet, 63.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  33. (24)  Matt DiBenedetto, Chevrolet, Suspension, 52.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  34. (34)  Preston Pardus, Chevrolet, 52.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  <\/span>35. (11)  Sheldon Creed, Ford, Accident, 50.<\/p>\n

                  36. (16)  Riley Herbst(i), Toyota, Engine, 39.<\/p>\n

                  37. (25)  Thomas Annunziata, Chevrolet, Accident, 24.<\/p>\n

                  38. (37)  Garrett Smithley, Chevrolet, Engine, 3.<\/p>\n

Average Speed of Race Winner:  82.102 mph.<\/p>\n

Time of Race:  2 Hrs, 26 Mins, 49 Secs. Margin of Victory:  2.326 Seconds.<\/p>\n

Caution Flags:  7 for 20 laps.<\/p>\n

Lead Changes:  17 among 9 drivers.<\/p>\n

Lap Leaders:   C. Zilisch # 1-6;S. Van Gisbergen(i) 7;C. Zilisch # 8-18;J. Allgaier 19-21;C. Zilisch # 22-23;W. Sawalich # 24;C. Zilisch # 25-43;S. Van Gisbergen(i) 44;C. Zilisch # 45-53;P. Retzlaff 54;J. Love 55;S. Van Gisbergen(i) 56-64;C. Zilisch # 65-68;A. Hill 69-71;M. McDowell(i) 72;C. Zilisch # 73-77;S. Smith 78;C. Zilisch # 79-82.<\/p>\n

Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led):  Connor Zilisch # 8 times for 60 laps; Shane Van Gisbergen(i) 3 times for 11 laps; Justin Allgaier 1 time for 3 laps; Austin Hill 1 time for 3 laps; Parker Retzlaff 1 time for 1 lap; Michael McDowell(i) 1 time for 1 lap; William Sawalich # 1 time for 1 lap; Jesse Love 1 time for 1 lap; Sammy Smith 1 time for 1 lap.<\/p>\n

Stage #1 Top Ten: 7,54,00,48,2,25,26,4,39,99<\/p>\n

Stage #2 Top Ten: 88,9,41,21,1,11,00,7,8,32<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Holly Cain, NASCAR Wire Service WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. \u2013 It was as hard-earned a victory as the 19-year old Connor Zilisch has claimed in his brief NASCAR career \u2013 answering his win from pole position a year ago in his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at the historic Watkins Glen International road course with a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":676,"featured_media":53851,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11],"tags":[905,16,181,472],"class_list":["post-53867","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nascar","tag-connor-zilisch","tag-nascar","tag-nascar-xfinity-series","tag-watkins-glen-international"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-2229291373-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7hzTZ-e0P","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53867","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/676"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=53867"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53867\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":53870,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53867\/revisions\/53870"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/53851"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=53867"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=53867"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=53867"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}