Pantherian

This coaster opened in 2010 as Intimidator 305, named after NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt. It ran as Project 305 in 2024 and was renamed Pantherian in 2025, with a panther theme in the park's Jungle X-Pedition area; according to RCDB it reopened under the new name on August 6, 2025.

Intimidator 305 is a steel roller coaster located at Kings Dominion amusement park in Doswell, Virginia. Built by Intamin and opened in 2010, this coaster is one of the tallest and fastest giga coasters in the world. The ride stands at 305 feet tall, features a 300-foot drop, and reaches speeds of up to 90 mph. The layout includes sharp twists, intense airtime hills, and high-speed turns, providing a thrilling experience with forces that can cause "blackout" sensations for riders. Originally named in honor of NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, the ride is known for its extreme intensity, making it a favorite among roller coaster enthusiasts.

Intimidator 305 delivers an adrenaline-pumping experience thanks to several key factors:

1. Massive Height and Speed: Standing 305 feet tall, the coaster plunges riders down a 300-foot drop at an 85-degree angle. This initial drop gives a sensation of freefall, quickly accelerating to speeds of up to 90 mph, creating a thrilling rush.
2. Intense G-Forces: The ride's layout includes tight, high-speed turns and rapid directional changes, generating intense G-forces. These forces push riders into their seats and can even cause "grey-out" or "blackout" sensations, adding to the overall thrill.
3. Twisting Layout: The track features sharp turns, banked curves, and snappy transitions. These sudden changes in direction keep riders on edge and amplify the sense of speed and intensity throughout the ride.
4. Airtime Hills: The coaster includes airtime hills that create moments of weightlessness as riders are lifted out of their seats. This combination of airtime and G-forces adds an unpredictable and exciting dimension to the ride.
5. Non-Stop Pace: With its relentless speed and minimal brakes, Intimidator 305 maintains a breakneck pace from the initial drop to the final brake run. The ride's continuous action leaves little time for riders to catch their breath, heightening the overall excitement.
6. Theming: The ride was themed to NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt until 2023; since 2025 it has been presented as a panther shrine in Jungle X-Pedition.

These features, combined with its sheer scale and intensity, make Intimidator 305 a standout coaster for those seeking extreme thrills.

Our take

Intimidator 305 stands at 305 feet tall and features an 85-degree first drop and reaches speeds of up to 90 mph, offering an intense ride experience with sharp twists, high-speed turns, and airtime hills. The coaster provides thrill-seekers with a smooth yet adrenaline-pumping journey, complete with forces strong enough to cause brief "blackout" moments for some riders. Its reputation as one of the most extreme coasters in the world makes it a must-ride for enthusiasts.