NASCAR: No Immediate Changes to Celebration Guidelines Following Zilisch Injury
NASCAR will not implement new guidelines concerning driver celebrations after Connor Zilisch sustained a broken collarbone during post-race festivities at Watkins Glen. Zilisch fell from the driver’s side door while celebrating his victory, leading to concerns about safety protocols.
NASCAR’s managing director of communications, Mike Forde, stated in the latest Hauler Talk podcast, “Right now, there is no best practices. We’re not legislating it. We haven’t said that drivers aren’t allowed to do this or that.” Forde dismissed rumors suggesting that NASCAR would restrict celebrations, clarifying that no official directive has been issued regarding standing on cars during post-race celebrations.
The incident occurred when Zilisch slipped while attempting to ascend onto his car, catching his leg in the window net. Forde indicated that while the organization will not enforce specific rules, ensuring that window nets are properly positioned will be emphasized, as this may have contributed to Zilisch’s fall. "Just make sure the window net is inside the car… it’s one less thing you can slip on," he noted.
Currently, it remains unclear whether Zilisch will miss any upcoming Xfinity Series events. Following surgery on his collarbone, he faces an uncertain path as the series approaches its next race at Daytona International Speedway on August 22, with three races remaining in the regular season.
