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Connor Zilisch injury update: Latest on NASCAR Xfinity winner after being loaded on ambulance

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Jonathan Howard | Last updated Aug 9, 2025 8:29 PM ET

Following the finish of today’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen, Connor Zilisch was injured after falling in victory lane. Zilisch won the race by leading 60 laps and persevering through multiple incidents. He was carried out of the track on a backboard.

The CW changed things up and was going old-school with the winner’s interview taking place in victory lane, not the frontstretch. Well, an interview never happened. Connor Zilisch fell while stepping down off of his car as his right foot was caught up in something.

It appeared that Zilisch twisted his leg and hit his head on the ground. He was motionless for a moment on TV before the broadcast cut away.

Dustin Long of NBC Sports captured the moment Zilisch was loaded into the ambulance. The driver was responsive a few moments after the fall and appeared to be sitting up as he went into the emergency vehicle. It appears that Dale Earnhardt Jr. is there to see his driver off.

#NASCAR … Xfinity winner Connor Zilisch is loaded into an ambulance to go to the care center after falling in victory lane. He sat up in the ambulance. pic.twitter.com/jiJKQz7XTq
— Dustin Long (@dustinlong) August 9, 2025

The fall was terrifying to watch. Connor Zilisch was standing on his car as he normally does after a win. He was notably shaky as he stood up, and when he came down, his foot was caught in his seat, causing him to fall.

So quickly, things went from happy celebrations to worry and concern. Zilisch is the hottest young driver in the sport. No one wants to see this happen to any driver, especially after a big win.

Connor Zilisch taken to local hospital

After being evaluated at the care center at Watkins Glen, Connor Zilisch is being taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. There has been no update on his condition, and we are waiting on further updates from JR Motorsports as this story develops.

Obviously, the main concern is his head and neck. You immediately think about a concussion in these situations. However, we also saw Zilisch’s leg and ankle twist as he fell. This was a rough fall, and there could be multiple issues.

Zilisch has six wins this season. This was his fourth win in five races. Just a few weeks ago, Zilisch was in the middle of a three-race win streak. Following today’s win, he’s in a much more dire position. Everyone in the NASCAR community is thinking about the 19-year-old as he continues to be evaluated.

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

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