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Racer (Kennywood)

Roller coaster in the United States
Watch the on-ride POV
Racer
Kennywood
Location West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, USA
Coordinates 40°23′14″N 79°51′45″W / 40.38719°N 79.862448°W / 40.38719; -79.862448
Status Operating since 1927
Cost $75,000 USD
Rider height 46 inch minimum
Replaced Racer
Statistics
Builder Charlie Mach
Designer / calculations John A. Miller
Type Wooden - Möbius
Hourly capacity 1400
Propulsion Chain lift hill
Height 72.5 feet
Drop 50 feet
Top speed 40 mph
Length 4500 feet
Inversions 0
Duration 1:32
Rolling stock
Manufacturer Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters (unknown-Present)
Unknown (1927-unknown)
Riders per train 24

The Racer is a racing wooden roller coaster located at Kennywood in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, USA. It is a möbius loop roller coaster.

History

In 1910, the original Racer was built. It was closed in 1926 and replaced by the present-day Racer in 1927.

The Racer was modified in 1949, the final hill was removed on both sides of the loop.[1]

A new porcelain facade was installed over the original entrance in 1960.[2]

New trains from Philadelphia Toboggan Company were installed in 1982. The old coaster cars were donated to the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation and the Western Pennsylvania Historical Society.[3]

The ride's original facade was restored for the 1990 season.[4]

In 1995, The Racer was designated as a Historic Landmark by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation.[5]

The Racer was retracked for the 2021 season.[6]

Design

Elements

Trains

4 trains with 4 cars per train. In each car, riders are arranged 2 across in 3 rows, for a total of 24 riders per train. The current trains where built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters.[7] The ride formerly had three-car, four-bench trains.[8]

Images

References

  1. "Kennywood's The Racer: The Era of Figure-Eight Coasters". Third Stop on the Right.
  2. Jacques, Charles Jr. More Kennywood Memories. Amusement Park Journal. p. 128. ISBN 0-9614392-4-6.
  3. Jacques, Charles Jr. More Kennywood Memories. Amusement Park Journal. p. 53. ISBN 0-9614392-4-6.
  4. Jacques, Charles Jr. More Kennywood Memories. Amusement Park Journal. p. 128. ISBN 0-9614392-4-6.
  5. "Historic Landmark Plaques" (PDF). Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation.
  6. "Kennywood geeft houten achtbaan Racer een retracking".
  7. "THE RACER - Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters".
  8. "Racer Coaster at Kennywood Park". Historic Pittsburgh.

External links

  • Racer on the Roller Coaster DataBase.
Longest roller coaster
1944 – 1966
Preceded by
Hochschaubahn
Longest roller coaster
1944 – 1966
Succeeded by
Giant Coaster
Longest wooden roller coaster
1944 – April 14, 1979
Preceded by
Hochschaubahn
Longest wooden roller coaster
1944 – April 14, 1979
Succeeded by
Beast