Shane van Gisbergen secured another commanding road course win on Sunday at Watkins Glen, but his celebration after the race was notably restrained. This cautious display drew attention due to the serious accident Connor Zilisch suffered at the same venue just a day earlier. The incident left many wondering if van Gisbergen’s subdued reaction was influenced by concern for Zilisch’s condition.
Zilisch later responded to van Gisbergen’s careful behavior, and Denny Hamlin also chimed in with some lighthearted teasing toward the road course specialist for his more measured celebration.
Impact of Zilisch’s Injury on Post-Race Conduct
Connor Zilisch endured a severe accident on Saturday at Watkins Glen while trying to celebrate his Mission 200 victory by standing atop his car, where he slipped and fell onto the pavement. The injury was serious, involving a fractured collarbone.
Many observers speculated that Zilisch’s fall led van Gisbergen to be more cautious during his post-race moments, which the Kiwi was asked about during the press conference. Van Gisbergen, 36, responded:
“I didn’t think of that (Zilisch’s injury),”
“Like obviously, he’s in our thoughts. I didn’t want to do that (thinking about Zilisch’s injury). I always have bad dreams of slipping over and doing that in front of everyone, but yeah, I just got out like I normally did.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
Despite the serious nature of the crash, Hamlin took a moment on his podcast, Actions Detrimental With Denny Hamlin, to joke about how Zilisch’s fall made him rethink his own celebration habits.
Reflecting on the harshness of the injury, Hamlin said:
“I’d still be in the hospital. I mean to be young again. Holy c***! There’s no way. I don’t think I’m ever gonna step on top of my car again.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Veteran
He also commented on van Gisbergen’s post-race demeanor, suggesting that others had largely moved past the incident during their celebrations:
“Did you see SVG? He didn’t! SVG just stepped one leg out and then just (mimicked waving to the crowd). He just stood beside his car, hit the wave, and walked around,”
Hamlin said with a laugh.
Van Gisbergen Shares His Own Experience and Advice for Zilisch
Following Zilisch’s collarbone fracture during his Xfinity Series celebration, van Gisbergen offered guidance based on his personal recovery. He suffered a similar injury during a mountain biking accident in 2021, which required surgical intervention.
Van Gisbergen explained his situation:
“I broke my collarbone in 2021, left side, mine was a bit out by the AC,”
“I did a bit more damage to my shoulder, and then I also had a fake ligament put in. I had a weekend off and raced the next week.”
—Shane van Gisbergen
He detailed what Zilisch can expect during recovery, emphasizing the strength of the repaired bone after surgery:
“Pretty much what he (Zilisch) is going to go through. Once the plate is in there, it’s stronger than the bone was. I had a plate put in and then take it out at the end of the year. It is obviously going to be in pain.”
“My biggest problem was the tightening of the belts. I could really feel the plates through my skin, and it was a horrible feeling. I raced the next week and did pretty well. So, with some good doctors and some good dr*gs, he’ll get through the race fine.”
—Shane van Gisbergen
Significance of Cautious Celebrations and Recovery Outlook
Zilisch’s injury has brought renewed attention to the risks involved in victory celebrations, prompting drivers like van Gisbergen and Hamlin to reconsider traditional post-race antics. The cautious approach observed at Watkins Glen reflects a heightened awareness among competitors about safety beyond the race itself.
Van Gisbergen’s recovery story also provides encouragement for Zilisch and his team, suggesting a strong chance for a successful return to racing once medical treatment is complete. With proper care, Zilisch is likely to recover well, though the accident underscores the physical dangers that can arise even after crossing the finish line.