Connor Zilisch Gives Injury Update: “To Rush Back Would Be Silly”
13 hours ago
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JR Motorsports driver Connor Zilisch has provided an update on his recovery after sustaining a back injury during a wreck with Jesse Love at Talladega last weekend. As a result, will not be racing in Texas.
While speaking to FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass (below) at Texas Motor Speedway, Zilisch explained:
“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.
Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Axalta/clicklane Chevrolet, prepares to drive during qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series SciAps 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 12, 2025 in Bristol, Tennessee. Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Axalta/clicklane Chevrolet, prepares to drive during qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series SciAps 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 12, 2025 in Bristol, Tennessee. Sean Gardner/Getty Images
“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.”
Connor Zilisch characterized his lower back injury as “minor” and with Texas a high-speed track and then two weeks off for Xfinity, it made sense to sit this week out. He believes he’ll be ready to do both Xfinity and Cup at Charlotte as planned later this month. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/LrMp5Y8EiK
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 2, 2025
When asked for specifics on what the injury is, Zilisch 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.”
31-time NASCAR Cup Series winner Kyle Larson is stepping in for Zilisch in the Xfinity Series this weekend. JR Motorsports confirmed earlier in the week, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports:
“Kyle Larson will sub for Connor Zilisch behind the wheel of the No. 88 Chevrolet this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway as Zilisch continues to recover from a lower back injury sustained last weekend at Talladega.”
Following the news of his absence, the Dale Earnhardt Jr.-led team confirmed that Zilisch had been granted a playoff eligibility waiver by NASCAR. The team confirmed in a statement:
“Connor Zilisch has been granted a playoff waiver by NASCAR and remains qualified for the 2025 NXS Playoffs.”
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