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Trackhouse Teammates Collide at Watkins Glen, Zilisch Fractures Collarbone

Justin Marks said the collision was a racing misjudgment that has not damaged the relationship between Zilisch and van Gisbergen.

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Shane van Gisbergen with his father Robert van Gisbergen (middle) and partner Jessica Dane (right).
Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #88 WeatherTech Chevrolet, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen. Image: Chris Graythen/Getty Images
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Overview

  • Connor Zilisch clipped Shane van Gisbergen’s right rear as he rejoined the track after a runoff at Turn 6, spinning the No. 97 into the SAFER barrier and ending van Gisbergen’s Xfinity race.
  • Zilisch went on to win the Xfinity Mission 200 but fractured his collarbone in a fall during Victory Lane celebrations and was taken to hospital for treatment.
  • Trackhouse owner Justin Marks publicly called the wreck a racing misjudgment and ruled out any internal rift within the team.
  • Shane van Gisbergen apologized for his part in the incident, calling it “both our faults” and accepting shared responsibility.
  • Dale Earnhardt Jr. criticized Zilisch’s move as avoidable, while Denny Hamlin praised Zilisch as more Cup-ready than van Gisbergen was at the season’s start.