Kings Dominion announces 305-foot Intimidator

Kings Dominion has officially outed its 2010 project, a 305-foot giga-coaster named Intimidator 305. As racing fans might have already guessed, the new coaster takes its name from the late NASCAR great Dale Earnhardt Sr., and will feature a 300-foot first drop at an 85º angle, a top speed of over 90 mph, and a three minute ride time. The trains themselves will be fashioned after Earnhardt's iconic black number 3 car, and will speed through six airtime humps and three high-speed turns during the course of the ride. Designed by Intamin AG, Intimidator 305's cost is estimated at $25 million, and is scheduled to open in the spring of 2010.

"Intimidator 305 will break records as the single largest capital investment in the history of Kings Dominion," said Pat Jones, Kings Dominion's vice president and general manager. "The numbers speak for themselves, at a cost of $25 million, a lift hill and first drop close to the height of the park's landmark Eiffel Tower; you'll have to see it to believe it." Intimidator 305 will be located in the park's Congo section and becomes Kings Dominion's 15th World-class roller coaster.

Dale Earnhardt, Inc. will partner with Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, owners of Kings Dominion, to bring the massive coaster to life. "We're excited to see this new roller coaster celebrate the speed and intensity of the legendary career of Dale Earnhardt," said Jeff Steiner, executive vice president and general manager of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. "There are millions of fans that still honor their racing hero and this is a very real way for them to connect with the spirit and passion of the Intimidator."