Connor Zilisch Confirms NASCAR Return As He Shares Major Health Update

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Connor Zilisch has confirmed his NASCAR return after suffering a back injury as he shared an update on his recovery with his fans.

Confirming the news on social media, the NASCAR Xfinity Series driver stated:

"'I'm back.'

"My back is all healed up and I'm ready for a big weekend at Charlotte. I'm pumped to make my second Cup start with Trackhouse and get back in the Xfinity car with JR Motorsports. Big thanks to everyone who helped me get back so soon!"

The JR Motorsports driver sustained the back injury during a wreck with Jesse Love at Talladega. As a result, he missed the Texas Xfinity race in order to recover.

Kyle Larson stepped in for the 18-year-old and went on to secure the victory. Despite not racing at Texas Motor Speedway, Zilisch spoke to the media to give an update. He explained at the time, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports:

Connor Zilisch
Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 WeatherTech Chevrolet, gives a thumbs up to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26,... Sean Gardner/Getty Images

"Yeah, I feel okay. You know, a lot of what I'm doing is not up to me, I listen to all the doctors around me and the people around me that have a lot more, not only racing experience, but life experience.

"I've got a lot ahead of me, and to rush back into something after a crash like that would be silly.

"So, yeah, we're just taking our time with the recovery process, taking it one day at a time, and you know, I'm feeling better every day. Thankful for everyone who's been there for me and been willing to give me unbiased answers throughout the process."

He added:

"I don't know what I'm allowed to say.

"I cleared all my X-rays at the track, and there was nothing obvious. Everything is very minor, I'll say that. But, I don't know what I'm allowed to say to the extent of what my injuries are, but I'll probably just plead the fifth and not get myself in trouble. There is no crazy big injury that is going to hold me for months. It's going to be day by day."

Zilisch returns for the BetMGM 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 24.

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About the writer

Lydia Mee is a contributing sports writer located in the West Midlands, England. Her focus is on F1 and NASCAR. She has in-depth knowledge of Motorsport as a whole. Lydia joined Newsweek in March 2024, having previously written Motorsport content for Sports Illustrated. You can get in touch with Lydia by emailing, l.mee@newsweek.com. You can find her at X @LMeeMotorsport.


Lydia Mee is a contributing sports writer located in the West Midlands, England. Her focus is on F1 and NASCAR. ... Read more