Imagine surviving a 250km/h collision with a kangaroo! That's exactly what happened to Christopher Mies during the 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour race. But here's where it gets controversial... despite the shocking incident, Mies has nothing but praise for Australia and its unique wildlife.
Mies, a seasoned racer, was driving the #64 HRT Ford Mustang GT3 alongside top champions Broc Feeney and Dennis Olsen when the unexpected happened. As they sped down the Conrod Straight at Mount Panorama Circuit, a kangaroo suddenly appeared, and Mies had no time to react. The impact was so intense that it ripped off the windshield of the Ford Mustang GT3.
Initially, there was concern for Mies' well-being. The two-time race winner was visibly shaken and took a few minutes to gather himself. In his own words, "I'm glad I'm standing here right now. It was a massive impact at high speed, and I'm just grateful to be talking to you."
But what's even more impressive is Mies' appreciation for the Ford's safety features. He credits Ford Racing and Multimatic for building such a robust race car, saying, "I think this was Mustang GT3's first big hit, and I'm happy to say it kept me safe."
The impact, though, left a rather unpleasant reminder. The remains of the kangaroo ended up inside the cockpit, covering Mies' helmet and racing suit. He confirmed that his entire gear is now unusable, adding, "A kangaroo from the inside doesn't smell very nice."
Despite the shock and the mess, Mies' love for Australia remains strong. He plans to return to Mount Panorama next year but with a different souvenir in mind. "My son asked for a kangaroo toy, but I think I'll get him a koala or wombat instead!" he joked.
So, what do you think? Is Mies' reaction to the incident a testament to his resilience, or does it downplay the potential dangers of wildlife on the track? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
