Connor Zilisch Wins Sixth 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Race at Watkins Glen, Hospitalized After Victory Lane Fall

Connor Zilisch secured his sixth victory of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season at the Mission 200 at Watkins Glen International, dominating the race by leading 60 of 82 laps and finishing 2.326 seconds ahead of runner-up Sam Mayer. Zilisch’s win marks his fourth in the last five races and makes him just the second driver in JR Motorsports history to win more than six races in a season. His JR Motorsports teammate Sammy Smith finished third, with Austin Hill and rookie Carson Kvapil completing the top five. The race featured a chaotic final stage, including multiple cautions and a 16-car wreck. Unfortunately, Zilisch was injured in a celebration accident when he fell headfirst from his car in Victory Lane, slipping his leg into the cockpit and tumbling onto the pavement, leading to his transport to a local hospital; he was awake and alert during evaluation. Zilisch’s condition and status for the upcoming Cup Series race remain uncertain as the team continues to provide updates.