Connor Zilisch, the NASCAR Xfinity Series driver, is set to return to competition this weekend at the Wawa 250 event at Daytona International Speedway. Team owner Justin Marks shared insights about Zilisch’s recovery and the cautious approach being taken ahead of this important race, emphasizing the need for smart choices in his comeback.
After winning his sixth race of the 2025 season at Watkins Glen, 19-year-old Zilisch suffered a serious collarbone injury during the victory celebration when his foot got caught in the window netting as he climbed out of his #88 Chevy, causing him to fall awkwardly on the concrete. This injury required surgery, but Zilisch has been progressing well in his recovery, raising hopes for his return at Daytona.
Cautious Optimism Surrounding Zilisch’s Potential Return
Justin Marks, owner of Trackhouse Racing, spoke openly about the balance between Zilisch’s eagerness to get back behind the wheel and the importance of not rushing his return, especially at a demanding track like Daytona. Marks explained that the decision on Zilisch’s participation is being made gradually, with daily evaluations of his rehabilitation and comfort level.
“It’s a balance. It’s a balance between a 19-year-old kid who just wants to be in the race car and can’t stand not being in the race car and is capable of driving the race car right now. And the other side of that is we need to make a smart decision. What we can’t do is rush him back into the car, especially a place like Daytona, get in a wreck and then be worse off than we were before.” —Justin Marks, Trackhouse Racing owner
“So, it’s kind of a day-by-day deal right now. This will be a big week to see how his rehab goes and his comfort level and all that stuff. And it could end up being a game-time decision. I know that we all want him back in the race car. He wants to be back in the race car. JRM wants him to be back in the race car. But we’ve got to make smart decisions, so I would just say, stay tuned on that one.” —Justin Marks, Trackhouse Racing owner
The Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola is scheduled for Friday, August 22, 2025, starting at 7:30 pm ET at Daytona International Speedway. The 100-lap race will be broadcast live on CW, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
Connor Zilisch Reflects on Earlier NASCAR Injury and Recovery
Prior to his recent collarbone injury, Zilisch experienced another setback at Talladega Superspeedway, where contact with fellow driver Jesse Love during the closing lap caused Zilisch to crash into the outside wall, resulting in a back injury. This forced him to miss the Texas Motor Speedway race, with Kyle Larson stepping in to drive his #88 Chevy during that event.
After taking a two-week break to recover, Zilisch returned at the BetMGM 300 event at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2025, where he marked a strong comeback by qualifying second. He described the downtime as beneficial for his mindset and physical reset in a post-race interview.
“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, NASCAR Xfinity Series driver
Zilisch’s Dominance in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series
Connor Zilisch currently leads the Xfinity Series points standings with 823 points, showcasing remarkable consistency with six victories, 14 finishes in the top ten, and 12 top-five results across 22 races this season. He has also earned five pole positions and led a total of 547 laps, maintaining an average starting position close to seventh place. His performance highlights his potential as a rising star within JR Motorsports and the broader NASCAR landscape.
With the Daytona race looming, the outcome of Zilisch’s rehab and his ability to return safely will have significant implications for both his career trajectory and JRM’s championship hopes. His determination to get back in the car is evident, but the priority remains ensuring he can compete without risking further injury.
As race day approaches, fans and team members alike watch closely, understanding that the decision to race at Daytona will require careful judgment. Should Zilisch make a successful comeback, it will mark an important milestone in overcoming adversity during an intense and promising season.