Justin Marks, the leader at Trackhouse Racing, recently shared his thoughts on Connor Zilisch, their young driver. Zilisch, just 19, is keen to continue competing for the Xfinity Series regular season title. However, he recently suffered a broken collarbone after falling from his car in victory lane at Watkins Glen.
Marks emphasized safety and team support when it comes to Zilisch’s return. “When he’s medically cleared, we’ll decide as a group,” he stated. This decision will involve sponsors, Chevrolet, and the team, considering both Zilisch’s health and his development as a driver.
The Xfinity Series takes a brief break, with the next race scheduled for August 22 at Daytona International Speedway. Given Zilisch’s recent injury history, including a lower back injury from a crash at Talladega, it might be wise for him to sit out this race as well. Missing a few races now may help ensure his long-term success. Marks noted that Zilisch is an important asset for Trackhouse Racing, and protecting his future is crucial.
Teammate Shane van Gisbergen, who recently won the Cup race at Watkins Glen, can provide valuable insight to Zilisch. Van Gisbergen himself faced a similar injury back in 2021. When asked about racing shortly after his own recovery, he said, “It was tough, especially with the race belts tightening. But I managed to race again pretty soon.”
Zilisch expressed gratitude that his injuries weren’t worse. “It was definitely scary,” he said, reflecting on the fall. He lost his balance while celebrating on the car, which led to the fall.
With the team’s decision to not field a backup driver while Zilisch recovers, they aim to keep the focus on promoting Zilisch’s growth. Marks commented, “We didn’t want to dilute the program. It’s about supporting Connor as an athlete.”
As Zilisch prepares for his next steps, the support from his team and lessons from experienced peers like van Gisbergen will be instrumental in shaping his racing future.
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