Justin Marks Reveals the NASCAR Return Timeline for Connor Zilisch After WGI Accident

Justin Marks provides a realistic timeline for Connor Zilisch's return to racing in NASCAR following his freak accident at Watkins Glen.

Justin Marks Reveals the NASCAR Return Timeline for Connor Zilisch After WGI Accident

Connor Zilisch's head-first fall after Watkins Glen win (via NASCAR), Justin Marks (via Icon Sportswire)

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Connor Zilisch suffered from a massive accident at Watkins Glen that injured his collarbone. Zilisch won the race and celebrated a little too hard, and ultimately suffered from a massive injury. While the #88 driver isn’t too seriously injured from the accident, it might take him some time before returning to racing on the grid. Trackhouse Racing’s owner, Justin Marks, opens up on the expected return for the 19-year-old.

Connor Zilisch won the Xfinity Series Mission 200 race at Watkins Glen and was extremely delighted after the race win. While celebrating, Zilisch climbed the #88 Chevrolet, and his foot got caught in the window net. He fell head-first on the asphalt and lay motionless before being rushed to the medical center. Following a CT scan, the 19-year-old suffered from a broken collarbone, with thankfully no head injuries.

Now, reports suggest that Connor Zilisch will have to rest for at least three weeks before he’s cleared to go back racing. This will cause him to miss out on atleast two of the final three races in the regular Cup Season. Justin Marks asserted that the team and Zilisch will discuss his return to the racing grid. Marks pointed out that he hadn’t talked with the 19-year-old much following his accident.

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.

Justin Marks said via Cup Scene.

Justin Marks revealed that the discussion and decision on Connor Zilisch’s return will have to be done with multiple groups involved. Primarily, the sponsors, Chevrolet, the team responsible for taking care of the driver, and Zilisch himself will discuss the matter extensively. Marks insisted that everyone involved wanted the 19-year-old to know that he had a group of people behind him who were extremely supportive of him.

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.

Justin Marks added.

Connor Zilisch ‘glad’ that the injuries weren’t any worse than they already are

Connor Zilisch was released from the hospital on the same day and is now recovering in the comfort of his home. The Trackhouse Racing star will have all the necessary people to ensure a speedy recovery and return to racing. Hence, after stabilizing and feeling better from the freak accident, Zilisch opened up about the incident and his thoughts after sustaining the injuries.

Connor Zilisch (via The Tennessean)
Connor Zilisch (via The Tennessean)

Speaking of the accident, Connor Zilisch recalled that the last thing he remembers was being halfway down the car and falling from the top. Zilisch insisted that he was glad that the injuries weren’t any worse, and only his collarbone took the brunt of the fall and not other body parts. The 19-year-old added that he hated not being able to show up for the Cup Series race at Watkins Glen and miss out on important points.

The last thing I remember was being halfway down and falling, so glad it wasn’t any worse and that the collarbone the extent of the injuries, but I hate I couldn’t make it to the race today and give myself a shot to get a good result for Trackhouse and Red Bull.

Connor Zilisch said, as per NASCAR.com.

Despite the freak accident, Connor Zilisch is having a monumental season with Trackhouse Racing. The 19-year-old has won six races in the Xfinity series, and it wouldn’t be long before he makes winning races a habit in the Cup Series. For now, Zilisch will have to fully focus on a speedy recovery and return to the victory lane as soon as possible.

Read More: Ty Gibbs Goes on Immature Profanity-Laced Radio Tirade at Chris Gabehart in Watkins Glen