A wild kangaroo narrowly avoided a collision with a race car traveling at about 155 mph during Australia’s Bathurst 1000, prompting renewed discussion about track safety and wildlife management at major motorsport events, according to ABC News Australia.
Story Highlights
- Kangaroo bounded onto racetrack just five laps from finish, narrowly missing rookie driver Kai Allen’s Ford Mustang
- Near-miss occurred at 155 mph on fastest section of Mount Panorama circuit during Bathurst 1000
- Incident wasn’t broadcast live but viral footage later revealed split-second timing that avoided disaster
- Event highlights ongoing wildlife management failures at circuits bordering natural habitats
High-Speed Wildlife Encounter Shocks Racing Community
Rookie Supercars driver Kai Allen encountered an unexpected wildlife incident during the 2025 Repco Bathurst 1000 when a kangaroo suddenly appeared on Conrod Straight as his Penrite Ford Mustang approached at roughly 155 mph. The incident happened with five laps remaining in Australia’s premier endurance race, representing a serious safety risk for both the driver and the animal. Allen managed to avoid contact, maintaining control of his vehicle at high speed, according to post-race footage reviewed by Speedcafe Australia.
Split-Second Timing Prevents Disaster
The kangaroo bounded across the Conrod Straight, Mount Panorama’s fastest section where cars routinely exceed 155 mph, in a display of timing that defied belief. Allen, making his Bathurst 1000 debut as a 20-year-old rookie, had no advance warning as the incident wasn’t captured by live television coverage. Post-race footage revealed the animal cleared Allen’s path by mere milliseconds, demonstrating how quickly motorsport can turn deadly when wildlife enters high-speed circuits. The near-miss occurred on one of Australia’s most challenging racetracks, where drivers already face extreme conditions without additional wildlife hazards.
Driver Shows Remarkable Composure Under Pressure
Allen maintained control of his vehicle despite the shocking encounter, continuing to race and ultimately finishing eighth alongside co-driver Dale Wood. The rookie driver had already battled challenging weather conditions that transitioned from dry to wet, plus earlier incidents with other competitors that forced him to recover from 22nd starting position. Allen’s post-race comments revealed his relief and humor about the situation, jokingly stating he “owes the kangaroo a beer” for avoiding collision. His composed handling of the wildlife encounter demonstrated exceptional driver skill under the most unexpected circumstances.
Safety Protocols Face Scrutiny After Viral Footage
Mount Panorama Circuit’s proximity to natural bushland creates ongoing challenges for wildlife management, though kangaroo incidents during actual racing remain extremely rare. The circuit’s location makes complete wildlife-proofing impossible, raising questions about current safety measures and emergency protocols. While organizers implement various precautions, this incident highlights the inherent risks of conducting high-speed motorsport events near natural habitats. The dramatic footage has sparked discussions among safety experts about enhanced wildlife detection systems and improved track security measures.
Incident Adds to Bathurst’s Legendary Status
The near-miss has generated significant media attention worldwide, adding another dramatic chapter to the Bathurst 1000’s storied history dating back to 1960. Such wildlife encounters underscore the unique challenges of Australian motorsport, where natural environments intersect with high-performance racing. The incident’s viral nature demonstrates how unexpected moments can capture global imagination while highlighting real safety concerns. This event will likely be remembered as one of the closest calls in recent Bathurst history, cementing Allen’s debut as unforgettable for reasons beyond racing performance.
Sources:
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