At the Bathurst 1000 weekend at Mount Panorama, Supercars champions Mark Winterbottom and James Courtney were involved in an unusual collision during Practice 6 on Saturday. The incident occurred on Conrod Straight when a flock of ducks unexpectedly crossed the track.

As yellow flags were displayed to protect the ducks, Courtney’s Team 18 Camaro collided with the rear of Winterbottom’s car. Both vehicles sustained damage and returned to the pit lane for repairs, while the session was temporarily halted with a red flag.

Winterbottom remarked on the incident with a touch of irony, noting that despite backing off under double yellow flags, Courtney still hit him hard. He mentioned the challenges of communicating on the track and the unpredictability of wildlife appearing during the session. Courtney confirmed he had received a radio warning about the ducks, but not early enough to react appropriately. He described the moment as surprising, explaining he had to brake suddenly to avoid either crashing into Winterbottom or hitting the wall.

The presence of wildlife on the Bathurst circuit is not uncommon, with previous incidents involving animals ranging from kangaroos to other hazards. This latest collision between two prominent drivers highlights the unpredictable nature of racing conditions at Mount Panorama. The ducks were reportedly unharmed and left the track safely following the stoppage.