Retired WWE superstar Mick Foley recently delivered an encouraging message to NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch after the young racer suffered an injury at Watkins Glen International. Foley drew inspiration from former Formula One Champion Niki Lauda and the fictional character Rocky Balboa to motivate Zilisch in his recovery. The message aimed to fuel Zilisch’s determination as he prepares for a comeback.
Zilisch had just celebrated his sixth victory of the 2025 season at Watkins Glen when he sustained a broken collarbone climbing over his #88 Chevy during Victory Lane celebrations. His left foot became entangled in the window net, causing a painful fall onto the concrete. Surgery was necessary to implant a metal plate to stabilize the collarbone, though scans confirmed no head or neck injuries.
Drawing Strength from Racing Legends and Fictional Heroes
Reflecting on Zilisch’s accident, Mick Foley released a video to inspire the driver’s return to racing. Citing Niki Lauda’s remarkable resilience following a near-fatal fire, Foley said,
“I can’t really tell you how to take a bump from a car, but I can tell you you will be back behind the wheel as soon as you possibly can, because you drivers are tough.” —Mick Foley
“That’s right. Now I say this is someone who did some pretty, pretty impressive things as far as toughness go, but in that one, Nikki Lauda, caught on fire, like, and he was, like, visibly burned, badly and he was back in his car, like, in a couple weeks. Incredible, the dedication that people, that people put in. So I am wishing you the very best. I know you work hard. This is a very unlikely injury for someone who puts it all on the line and then he gets injured in such an odd way, but I know you’ll be back. You’ll be better than ever.” —Mick Foley
Foley closed his message with the iconic words of Rocky Balboa, emphasizing resilience in the face of adversity:
“Life’s not about how hard you can hit. Life’s about how hard you can get it and keep getting it up and moving forward. That’s how winning it’s done.” —Mick Foley
Connor Zilisch’s Racing Achievements Despite Setbacks
Currently leading the NASCAR Xfinity Series points standings with 823 points, Connor Zilisch has earned six wins, 14 top-ten finishes, 12 top-five finishes, and five pole positions over 22 starts this season. He has also led 547 laps with an average starting position just under seventh place, underscoring his strong performance despite injury interruptions.
Recovering and Returning: Zilisch Reflects on His First Injury of the Season
Having recently returned to competition at the BetMGM 300 race held at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2025, Zilisch reflected on his first injury and two-week break. His injury stemmed from a crash during the final lap at Talladega Superspeedway, when contact with rival and friend Jesse Love sent him into the outside barrier, resulting in a back injury.
Forced to miss the subsequent Texas Motor Speedway race, Zilisch was replaced by Hendrick Motorsports star Kyle Larson, who won in his stead. Upon his return in Charlotte, Zilisch displayed strong form by qualifying second.
“I felt really good. Sometimes, it’s good to get a few weeks off and reset. Really proud of this group. We had a really good car today. Just came up a little bit short, but we’ll go get them next week at Nashville and see what we can do there.” —Connor Zilisch
During the 205-lap event, Zilisch maintained a competitive pace, finishing second overall after briefly holding second place in the early stages. Despite his efforts, the victory went to Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron, while defending champion Justin Allgaier finished just ahead of Zilisch at one point during the race.
The Road Ahead: What Connor Zilisch’s Comeback Means for NASCAR
Connor Zilisch’s ongoing recovery and return to form embody the intense physical and mental challenges faced by top-level racers. Supported by encouragement from Mick Foley and inspired by legends like Niki Lauda and the fictional Rocky Balboa, Zilisch’s journey highlights the grit required to overcome setbacks. As he strives to maintain his lead in the Xfinity Series, his comeback holds significance as a testament to determination within NASCAR’s dynamic and competitive environment.
Fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see how Zilisch’s resilience translates into future performances, particularly at upcoming races such as the Nashville event he mentioned. His ability to rebound after injuries will be charted as both a motivator and a storyline in the 2025 season.