Imagine racing at full speed, only to have a wild animal suddenly appear in your path. That’s exactly what happened during the Bathurst 12 Hour support qualifying session, where a wallaby’s unexpected detour onto the track at Forrest’s Elbow turned a routine race into a dramatic moment. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this just an unfortunate accident, or does it highlight a deeper issue with wildlife safety at racing events? As the session entered its final minutes, Lee Stibbs, piloting an IRC GT car, found himself face-to-face with the wallaby. Despite a desperate attempt to brake, the collision was unavoidable. Tyler Cheney, following closely behind, was then left with no escape, colliding with both Stibbs’ car and the wallaby. While Cheney managed to continue, Stibbs was forced to pull over on Conrod Straight, his car visibly damaged on the left side. This wasn’t the first wildlife-related incident of the day—earlier, Ferrari Challenge practice was halted due to a kangaroo on the circuit. And this is the part most people miss: These incidents raise questions about the balance between high-speed racing and the natural habitats surrounding iconic tracks like Bathurst. How can we better protect both drivers and wildlife? As the event continues, this debate is sure to spark conversations. What’s your take? Let us know in the comments below. For those eager to stay updated, catch the live stream of the Bathurst 12 Hour Friday Practice here.
