The trains then reach a large hill before splitting up into separate structures. They ascend an 88-foot tall (27 m) lift hill, followed by an 88-foot (27 m) first drop and two small airtime hills. Previously, racing roller coasters were typically designed with both tracks remaining side-by-side throughout the entire course of the ride.Īfter leaving the station, trains pass through turnarounds, travel over transfer tracks, and merge at the base of the lift hill. It was a unique approach in 1972 to have both tracks split apart into separate structures, rejoining again near the end. The design allows for two trains to race in similar fashion from start to finish. The Racer is an out and back roller coaster design featuring two identical tracks that run parallel to each other.
Then in 2021, more than 500 feet (150 m) of track that stretched from the base of the first drop to the fourth airtime hill was replaced to allow for a smoother ride experience. The Racer's first drop and turns out of the station were refurbished previously several years earlier. For the 2019 season, the back turns and several other small sections of The Racer were retracked by Great Coasters International, the company behind Kings Island's Mystic Timbers in 2017. A plaque for the award is on display near the ride's entrance.Īs part of a routine, annual maintenance program common with wooden coasters, sections of The Racer are occasionally retracked over the years as needed. On June 18, 2007, The Racer was awarded the Coaster Landmark Award by the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE). In addition, each side was assigned a color-red and blue-with the red trains on the right and the blue trains on the left. It wasn't until 2008 that Cedar Fair restored The Racer to its original form by changing the right track to ride forward again. Though only intended for the remainder of the 1982 operating season, the change lasted twenty-six years due to its popularity. It is thought that this move was to accommodate guests who were frustrated over the frequent closure of The Bat, a recently added attraction. The Racer became the first racing roller coaster in the world to do so. The ride ignited interest in roller coasters following decades of decline, and the attention it received eventually led to a revival of the industry around the world, typically referred to as the industry's second golden age.īoth sides of the track raced forward until May 28, 1982, when the trains on one side of the track were reversed to ride backwards. The roller coaster appeared on national television in 1973, when it was featured in an episode of The Brady Bunch called "The Cincinnati Kids". It is located in Coney Mall, a section of the park originally known as Coney Island. The Racer opened officially to the public at Kings Island's grand opening on May 27, 1972. Allen was one of the last remaining designers with experience from the first golden age of roller coasters having studied under legendary designer Herbert Schmeck. Allen, to decide in 1968 that it was time to retire. This led president of Philadelphia Toboggan Company and well-known coaster designer, John C. Traditional amusement park rides, such as carousels, mill chutes, and even wooden roller coasters were losing popularity with newer generations. By the 1960s, the industry was at an all-time low. Although new roller coasters were still being built, the demand wouldn't be the same for decades to come. Historyįollowing a very successful decade, the first major era of roller coasters in the United States would come to an end in the 1930s as the economy struggled during the Great Depression. The Racer is also one of the few original Kings Island attractions still in operation today. The Racer inspired similar designs in other roller coasters, such as Racer 75 (formerly Rebel Yell) at Kings Dominion and the now-defunct Thunder Road at Carowinds.
#Coney island racer tv#
It was thrust into the national spotlight after being featured in an episode of the popular TV sitcom The Brady Bunch in 1973 and is often recognized for playing a vital role in the roller coaster renaissance of the 1970s.
Allen, The Racer made its public debut at the park's grand opening in 1972. The Racer is a wooden, racing roller coaster located at Kings Island amusement park in Mason, Ohio.
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