Connor Zilisch, a rising star in NASCAR, emerged as a dominant force at Watkins Glen but suffered a serious setback after his victory when he fell and broke his collarbone during celebrations on August 12, 2025. The injury forced Trackhouse Racing to withdraw his entry from the upcoming Cup Series event. Amid this challenge, former NASCAR champion Kevin Harvick provided vital advice, urging the 19-year-old driver to prioritize long-term health and career progression over immediate pursuit of the Xfinity championship.
The Incident at Watkins Glen and Its Immediate Consequences
Following an impressive win at Watkins Glen, Zilisch attempted to celebrate atop his No. 88 Chevrolet but slipped after his foot caught in the window netting, resulting in a hard fall on the pavement. This accident caused a broken collarbone, which prevented him from participating in the Cup Series race scheduled for the next day. His injury triggered an outpouring of support from the NASCAR community, but Kevin Harvick‘s message stood out for its emphasis on patient recovery and strategic career planning.
Harvick Emphasizes Recovery Over Rushing Back to Competition
On his Happy Hour podcast, Harvick acknowledged Zilisch’s toughness and talent but urged caution. He explained,
“Kid is going to be bullet tough when he’s done with all the things he’s had to deal with. Whether it’s his back falling in victory lane and just learning on the fly and having a bunch of success with Red Bull Trackhouse, everything that he’s got going on.”
—Kevin Harvick, Former NASCAR Champion
Harvick highlighted the importance of proper healing, saying,
“He (Zilisch) does a really good job of dealing with this. Kid’s a stud. He’s a winner and he’s going to continue to win. And in these situations, and I told his dad this, I said you’ve got to make sure they take care of him first and not get in a hurry. Make sure he heals correctly, because he’s going to be a winner when he comes and gets into that Cup car.”
—Kevin Harvick, Former NASCAR Champion
Harvick stressed that although Zilisch is performing exceptionally in the Xfinity Series this season, his health must take priority over chasing points in the short term. Currently leading the Xfinity standings with six wins, Zilisch has shown remarkable consistency across both road courses and ovals. Harvick’s counsel reflects a measured approach, recognizing the appeal of winning the series but underscoring the value of long-term success in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Strategic Considerations Behind Skipping Daytona
With a week-long break in the Xfinity schedule, there is now a window for Zilisch to focus fully on recovery without the pressure to immediately return. Harvick urged Zilisch to use this time wisely rather than rushing back for the high-risk Daytona event. He explained,
“And you know, I think that the most important thing is to not rush it because you’re chasing a regular season points championship or an Xfinity championship. Just make sure that he’s 100 percent, now. I know it’s collarbone. I don’t know the details of what’s broke or how it’s broke or what the scenario is, so … my main concern for Connor at this point is to make sure Connor is 100 percent alright. He can take his time in making sure it’s right, that’s my only thing.”
—Kevin Harvick, Former NASCAR Champion
This advice resonates with Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks, who has emphasized that any decision on Zilisch’s return will consider medical clearance and overall development. Harvick’s experience warns that rushing back could jeopardize a promising career before it fully unfolds.
Behind the Scenes: Zilisch’s Determination and Background
Harvick also shared a personal insight into Zilisch’s character and resilience, recounting his early years in karting. He said,
“Well, they have a week off. I would definitely skip Daytona so, you know, you’ve got a couple weeks that you can figure out what is right and wrong. But I mean the kid is a … he’s a great person. I was fortunate to be around him a lot. He helped Keelan a lot in karting. I mean there were times … he would travel by himself. He’d go to the airport, you know, at 14-15 years old and he’d show up at the airport. ‘Hey, can I get a ride to the track?’”
—Kevin Harvick, Former NASCAR Champion
This story emphasizes Zilisch’s independence and strong work ethic from a young age. Since signing with Trackhouse in 2024, Zilisch has diversified his racing portfolio, competing in the Xfinity Series, Truck Series, ARCA, Trans-Am, and IMSA events with notable success, solidifying his reputation as a future star in the sport. Harvick’s recommendation to rest ahead of Daytona reflects a protective stance on nurturing this talent for the long haul.
Kevin Harvick Voices Concerns Over Kyle Larson’s Recent Performance
While Harvick remains focused on mentoring Zilisch, he is also closely watching the struggles of Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson, who has experienced a difficult summer marked by mechanical issues. Post a last-place finish at Watkins Glen, Harvick commented,
“This is a typical Hendrick Motorsports type of attitude. You heard it out of William Byron last week after they won that race. No matter how many times that No. 5 car has been in a garage, you see those guys under the hood, digging, trying to fix the car to get back out on the racetrack.”
—Kevin Harvick, Former NASCAR Champion
Larson, with three wins earlier in 2025, has had only three top-five finishes since attempting The Double at Indianapolis and endured five finishes outside the top 28. Harvick pinpointed the Indianapolis event as a turning point, adding,
“So, that’s the part, I think they’ll show back up at some point, but it hasn’t been great. … I think when you look back at it, it’s still, the issues started at Indy.”
—Kevin Harvick, Former NASCAR Champion
Despite these struggles, Harvick remains hopeful that Larson’s team will regain momentum as the playoffs near. This situation underscores the challenges even experienced champions face and highlights the importance of sustained development and resilience that Harvick advocates for Zilisch.
Balancing Immediate Goals with Long-Term Ambitions in NASCAR
Kevin Harvick’s call for Connor Zilisch to prioritize full recovery over an immediate sprint to the Xfinity championship reflects a serious and cautious outlook on a young driver’s future. While the temptation to claim the title is significant, especially with Zilisch’s current points lead, the risks of re-injury or compromised performance could undermine his Cup Series aspirations. Harvick’s perspective is shaped by years of experience, emphasizing that durable success at NASCAR’s highest level requires patience and strategic focus beyond early career victories.
As recovery progresses, Zilisch and his team face a key decision about the upcoming Daytona race. Skipping this event in favor of longer rehabilitation may extend his career longevity and better position him for sustained competitiveness in the Cup Series, echoing Harvick’s message that the ultimate goal is long-term achievement rather than immediate glory.