Lightning Racer

Lightning Racer is a thrilling wooden roller coaster located in Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Opened in 2000, it was built by the renowned wooden coaster manufacturer Great Coasters International (GCI). It stands out as one of the first dueling/racing wooden roller coasters in the world, offering riders a unique and competitive experience.

Key Features:

1. Dueling Coaster Design:
   • Lightning Racer consists of two separate tracks: Lightning (green track) and Thunder (red track).
   • The two coasters race side-by-side and interact multiple times throughout the course, creating an exciting back-and-forth dynamic.
   • Riders are pitted against each other, and a winner is declared at the end of each race based on which train crosses the finish line first.
2. Layout and Ride Experience:
   • The ride starts with twin lift hills, each standing 90 feet tall.
   • It features a variety of twists, turns, airtime hills, and crossover elements, making the ride fast-paced and unpredictable.
   • The ride’s top speed is approximately 50 mph, and it lasts around 2 minutes and 20 seconds.
   • The smooth wooden track offers a comfortable yet classic wooden coaster feel.
3. Ride Stats:
   • Height: 90 feet
   • Drop: 80 feet
   • Length: 3,393 feet (per track)
   • Speed: 50 mph
   • G-forces: Moderate, with fun lateral and airtime forces
4. Theming:
   • Lightning Racer is themed around a stormy, competitive race between the elements of lightning and thunder.
   • The coaster is located in the Midway America section of Hersheypark and is surrounded by a vibrant carnival atmosphere.
5. Queue and Rider Experience:
   • The queue allows riders to choose their preferred side (Lightning or Thunder).
   • Spectators can watch the race from a viewing area near the finish line, where the winner of each race is announced with a visual display.

Awards and Popularity:

• Lightning Racer is highly regarded by coaster enthusiasts for its innovative design and family-friendly thrill level.
• It frequently ranks among the top wooden roller coasters in annual polls due to its smoothness and engaging ride experience.

This coaster is a must-ride for visitors to Hersheypark, combining the nostalgia of a wooden coaster with the excitement of a head-to-head competition!