diff --git a/src/graphics/stars.hpp b/src/graphics/stars.hpp
index 37e2df6f4..898bf4a87 100644
--- a/src/graphics/stars.hpp
+++ b/src/graphics/stars.hpp
@@ -53,6 +53,8 @@ private:
     void   showFor(float time);
     void   reset();
     void   update (float delta_t);
+    /** Returns true if the stars are currently shown. */
+    bool   isEnabled() const { return m_enabled; }
 
 };
 #endif
diff --git a/src/items/flyable.hpp b/src/items/flyable.hpp
index 7a5cb6aef..3f93398e5 100644
--- a/src/items/flyable.hpp
+++ b/src/items/flyable.hpp
@@ -158,6 +158,9 @@ public:
     void         setHasHit   () { m_has_hit_something = true; }
     void         reset       () { Moveable::reset();          }
     bool         isOwnerImmunity(const Kart *kart_hit) const;
+    /** Returns the type of flyable. */
+    PowerupManager::PowerupType
+                  getType() const {return m_type;}
     virtual const char*  getExplosionSound() const { return "explosion"; }
     /** Indicates if an explosion needs to be added if this flyable
       * is removed. */
diff --git a/src/karts/emergency_animation.hpp b/src/karts/emergency_animation.hpp
index a22d85a06..8f72cf4a6 100644
--- a/src/karts/emergency_animation.hpp
+++ b/src/karts/emergency_animation.hpp
@@ -96,6 +96,8 @@ public:
     const float getAnimationTimer() const {return m_timer;}
     /** Returns true if the kart is eliminated. */
     bool        isEliminated     () const {return m_eliminated;}
+    /** Returns a pointer to the stars effect. */
+    const Stars *getStarEffect   () const {return m_stars_effect; }
     void        eliminate        ();
 
 };   // EmergencyAnimation
diff --git a/src/physics/physics.cpp b/src/physics/physics.cpp
index bea0d954c..bb72a3faf 100644
--- a/src/physics/physics.cpp
+++ b/src/physics/physics.cpp
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@
 
 #include "config/user_config.hpp"
 #include "network/race_state.hpp"
+#include "graphics/stars.hpp"
 #include "physics/btKart.hpp"
 #include "physics/btUprightConstraint.hpp"
 #include "physics/irr_debug_drawer.hpp"
@@ -135,6 +136,11 @@ void Physics::update(float dt)
             }
             else if(p->b->is(UserPointer::UP_KART))   // projectile hit kart
             {
+                // Only explode a bowling ball if the target does not 
+                // the stars shown
+                if(p->a->getPointerFlyable()->getType()
+                    !=PowerupManager::POWERUP_BOWLING                     ||
+                    !p->b->getPointerKart()->getStarEffect()->isEnabled()    )
                 p->a->getPointerFlyable()->hit(p->b->getPointerKart());
             }
             else                                     // projectile hits projectile