LINCOLN, Ala. -- A hard, head-on crash into the SAFER barrier created concern about Connor Zilisch Saturday afternoon at Talladega Superspeedway, but he ultimately left the track dealing with soreness.
This was far better than what could have been.
"That was one of the wrecks where you just kind of tingle your toes and move your legs and make sure you're still good," Zilisch told media members after undergoing evaluation at the infield care center.
"It hurt, and I'll be sore, but (I'm) very grateful to walk away."
The incident occurred on the last lap of Saturday's Xfinity Series race. Zilisch was leading the outside line when he went to block a dive by Jesse Love. Contact between the two cars sent the No. 88 spinning across the track, where it collided nose-first with the SAFER barrier.
A replay of the finish at @TALLADEGA.@ConnorZilisch was evaluated and released from the infield care center following the race. pic.twitter.com/wbsDanVy2x
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) April 26, 2025
NASCAR threw the caution as Austin Hill, Love, and Jeb Burton raced three-wide for the win. Meanwhile, Zilisch complained over the radio about back pain.
He was ultimately able to exit his car with some assistance and head to the infield care center, where Love also headed, so he could apologize.
"X-rays were all good," Zilisch continued. "Just a big hit like that, everything compresses, and you feel it. Yeah, I'm all good and X-rays were clear, so, thankful."
Photo credit: AltDriver
Zilisch added that he will go to his doctor and get a final checkup in the coming week as he prepares to continue the Xfinity Series season. However, he expects to be fully ready to go for the race at Texas Motor Speedway next weekend.
This crash ended what had been a strong day for the Trackhouse Racing/JR Motorsports driver. Zilisch led three different times during the race, and he scored five points during stage 2.
He was in the lead during the final stage and on the last lap of the race, which put him in position to finish his first drafting race this season. He just didn't have the opportunity to cap off the performance.