The Racer — which actually is two roller coasters that run simultaneously — has remained one of King Island’s favorite coasters over the decades.
Since The Racer’s debut on April 29, 1972, more than 103 million people have enjoyed a ride along the wooden coaster’s tracks.
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Some fun facts about The Racer:
- The roller coaster was featured in the "Cincinnati Kids" episode of "The Brady Bunch" in 1973
- Remember when one of the dual coasters used to race backwards along the wooden tracks backwards? In 1982, The Racer became the world's first full-length roller coaster to travel backwards. Both cars now face forward.
- The Racer started to come to life in 1969 with designer John Allen's blueprints. Actual contrtuction began one year later and the first trial run was in September of 1971.
- According to Kings Island, The Racer was the first coaster built structurally on the ground with prefabricated sections that were then lifted into position to be bolted.
- At The Racer's debut on April 29, 1972, it was one of the largest roller coasters ever built, using over 600,000 board feet of lumber.
In addition to the anniversary of The Racer, Kings Island also is celebrating the 45th anniversay of the Eiffel Tower, the Woodstock Express roller coaster (the former Beastie), and the Miami Valley Railroad this year.
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