Ford Exits Bathurst 12 Hour After 250km/h Kangaroo Collision
Ford’s debut at the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour came to a sudden halt due to a dramatic incident early in the race. The #64 Mustang GT3, driven by Christopher Mies, experienced a terrifying collision with a kangaroo while racing at speeds near 250 kilometers per hour.
Incident Overview
Mies, who was positioned within the top ten, struck the kangaroo just before reaching the hump on Conrod Straight. Fortunately, he was unharmed but emerged from the vehicle appearing bloodied. The Mustang suffered extensive damage, particularly to the front-left corner and windscreen. Co-driver Dennis Olsen confirmed the incident, stating, “We hit an animal on track at 250kph. Luckily Miesy’s okay.”
Race Developments
Prior to the incident, the Mustang had demonstrated exceptional speed and was anticipated to contend for victory. Mies was part of a driver lineup that included Supercars star Broc Feeney. Notably, the race’s calm beginning saw Maxi Götz in the #77 Craft-Bamboo Mercedes-AMG take the lead, overtaking pole-sitter Thomas Randle in the #222 STM Mercedes-AMG.
Other Incidents on Track
- The #32 WRT BMW Art Car also collided with a kangaroo, resulting in minor right-front damage but continued in the race.
- Several drivers, including Christopher Haase and Augusto Farfus, advanced significantly during the rolling start.
- Marco Mapelli faced difficulties in the #93 Lamborghini, falling to eighth place due to an adverse maneuver at Hell Corner.
Safety Car and Tactical Moves
Following the mishap involving the Mustang, a long Safety Car period ensued. During this time, teams seized the opportunity to refuel. Kenny Habul switched into the #75 SunEnergy1 Mercedes-AMG to fulfill his driving time requirement.
Gaining Ground During the Safety Period
Both JMR Chevrolet Corvettes took advantage of a Balance of Performance adjustment that enhanced their speed down the straights. Jordan Love moved from 26th to 11th place, while Earl Bamber progressed from 25th to 14th. The race resumed on lap 12 amidst the unfolding drama.
