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2w ago

Watkins Glen Clash Intensifies Debate Over Zilisch and Van Gisbergen’s Cup Prospects

Following his victory-lane injury, Zilisch’s absence leaves Trackhouse to rely on van Gisbergen’s road-course mastery ahead of pivotal oval contests.

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Shane van Gisbergen with his father Robert van Gisbergen (middle) and partner Jessica Dane (right).
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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

Overview

  • Connor Zilisch’s car clipped teammate Shane van Gisbergen at Watkins Glen, sending van Gisbergen into the SAFER barrier and ending his race.
  • Zilisch won the Mission 200 but broke his collarbone in a victory-lane fall and is now recovering away from the track.
  • Shane van Gisbergen apologized on the Dale Jr. Download, calling the crash a shared misjudgment, and owner Justin Marks insisted the team remains cohesive, describing the incident as a racing incident.
  • Prominent voices diverge on accountability and potential, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. labeling Zilisch’s re-entry avoidable and Denny Hamlin praising Zilisch’s oval prowess while questioning van Gisbergen’s durability on ovals.
  • Trackhouse insider Stephen Doran highlighted van Gisbergen’s steady oval improvement this season, a trend the team views as crucial for capitalizing on his accumulated road-course playoff points.