The 12 Hours of Bathurst, part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, experienced dramatic events shortly after the race commenced in Australia. German driver Christopher Mies collided with a kangaroo while driving his Ford Mustang GT3 at high speed, an incident that occurred just 20 minutes into the race on the Conrod straight under low visibility conditions. The impact, estimated to be at least 250 km/h, resulted in irreparable damage to the Mustang, leading to its retirement from the race.

Following the initial collision, the race resumed but soon faced another shocking incident. Estonian driver Ralf Aron crashed his Mercedes-AMG into the Porsche of Austrian driver Johannes Zelger, who was stranded on the track after hitting a concrete barrier. This incident raised serious concerns regarding safety regulations and the management of animal presence in racing circuits, particularly in regions like Bathurst known for wildlife hazards.

The series of events at the Bathurst race has drawn attention not only for the dramatic nature of the incidents but also for the implications on racer safety and animal welfare. With a reputation for high-speed racing, the event's organizers may need to reassess protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future, ensuring both the safety of the drivers and the local wildlife.