The Intimidator comes to Carowinds | CLT Blog
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The Intimidator comes to Carowinds

Posted on 30 Aug 2009 by Melissa Fortune

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image: Carowinds.com

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photo: Melissa Fortune; view this photo on Flickr

Spring of 2010 will herald a dramatic change in the Carowinds skyline as the amusement park debuts the Southeast’s Tallest, Fastest and Longest roller coaster; The Intimidator. In what was the largest single capital investment in Carowinds 37 year history, The Intimidator is the namesake of NASCAR’s most beloved driver, Dale Earnhardt AKA “The Intimidator.” On hand at the press conference, among others were Dale Earnhardt’s eldest son Kerry, grandson Jeffery and several key officials from Dale Earnhardt Inc.

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photo: Melissa Fortune; view this photo on Flickr

At completion, this coaster will be a a $23 million investment. Though Carowinds splits its address with North and South Carolina, The Intimidator is being built on the South Carolina “side of the street” and will produce an abundance of benefits to SC, York county in particular. “It’s a win win situation and the fact that it’s in South Carolina, the advantage it gives there is long term property taxes,” said State Senator Wes Hayes.

The Intimidator, at its highest peak, will stand whopping 232ft tall, sending riders plunging down 211ft at a 74 degree angle. This ride will top speeds in excess of 75 miles per hour. Over 5,000 ft of track assist in your riding pleasure including a total of seven steep drops; one for each of Dale’s NASCAR championships. The goal of The Intimidator is to reproduce the experience of an actual Nascar race. “He was a man that enjoyed The Thrill– I mean anything that you have you can get a thrill off of he enjoyed doing it,” said Jeffery Earnhardt, grandson of Dale Earnhardt.

The official Intimidator website has more information, you can also view videos of the ride from multiple angles.

Photos from the launch event below.

photos: Melissa Fortune; view these photos on Flickr

Comments

  1. The Coaster Critic 30 Aug 2009 at 12:21 PM

    Carolinians are going to love Intimidator. I’ve ridden many similar rides and they are fast, fun, and offer moments of airtime (where you lift out of your seat a bit) at the tops of the hills. Not to mention the line’s always move because of their high capacity. I’m looking forward to riding and reviewing it in the Spring. Carolinians are VERY lucky!

  2. Melissa F. 30 Aug 2009 at 12:30 PM

    @The Coaster Critic True indeed! Are you located in The Carolinas? Maybe i’ll atch you when it debuts. Did you like the Carolina Cobra?