Kings Island Racer gets ACE Landmark status

http://www.cleveland.com/ap/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-32/1182177870265130.xml&storylist=topstories

I'm kinda shocked that it was not already declared a landmark.

I'm kind of shocked that it is at all. What's the criteria, that it's more than 30-years-old? I find it generally mediocre at best.

According to Wikipedia:

"In 2002, ACE introduced Coaster Landmark Award status. This award was designed to recognize coasters of historical significance that may not qualify for ACE Coaster Classic status."

It goes on to say that 3 a year are awarded. I belive this is because they have one award for each of the annual national events. Spring Con, Coaster Con, and Preservation Con.
*** Edited 6/19/2007 2:10:58 PM UTC by Jason Hammond***

It's a John Allen and none of them are exactly known for their breakneck thrills and chills, some, of course are better than others.

Its the coaster that some people said started the rebirth of the wooden coaster building boom,maybe thats why the ACE status.

I doubt this was a factor, but I rode it opening weekend and thought there was a vast improvement over the last time I rode it in 2003. The Backwards side seems smoother to me.

I definitely find KI's Racer to be of historical significance. It really was a MAJOR contribution that helped to spur a wooden-coaster building boom that leads us to where we are today.

Much like our discussion of Beast, it's not necessarily about what the coaster IS today, as much as what it WAS in its own time-frame. Probably important also to factor in that the television media (Brady Bunch, Partridge Family, etc.) really *showcased* the ride, and helped get amusement park visitation back "on track"...so to speak. Not everyone made it to FL or CA as easily in those days as we do today, so KI being a REGIONAL park was a big deal too.

As always, feel free to argue the opposing viewpoint, this is MY perspective. :)

That gives KI two ACE Landmarks. Does any other park have multiple landmarks?

Kennywood?
Camden?

According to an article in the Cincinnati Enquirer,

"Kings Island is the first park to have two rides earn landmark status, said ACE president Mark Cole. The club has named 14 landmark coasters to date."

Even though Racer isn't at all very big, I think it's a lot of fun to ride! To me, it just has that look and feel of a classic woodie.

Both Dippers at Camden Park are considered ACE "classics" not "landmarks" or something like that. ;) They will lose the "classic" status if they decide to put dividers and seat belts on them. Let's hope that never happens. :)

Besides the reasons Bill gave, I grew up with the Racer as well as The Beast so again, it's a sentimental thing and I think the coaster deserves it. :) It's not in it's prime anymore but it's still the KI Racer. :)

I rode it a few weeks ago and found the backwards to be MUCH smoother.

-Tina

*** Edited 6/19/2007 5:39:42 PM UTC by coasterqueenTRN***

The Partridge Family rode it. 'Nuff said.

Worst part is, I STILL remember the song that played while they showed footage of the family riding the Racer.

Meh. Don't Think Racer is worth it. History yes. But Fun, not as much as it's short after brother coasters, Thunder Road and Rebel Yell. Both of which are more fun.

Well, when those parks are involved in a national event, i wouldn't be suprised at all if those were to get honored as well. At Spring Con they dedicated Giant Dipper at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. *** Edited 6/19/2007 9:45:40 PM UTC by Jason Hammond***

Rebel Yell was already honored in 2003 during that year's ACE Coaster Con.

As for KI's Racer, I'm sure it was honored for helping the resurgence of the wooden roller coaster during the 1970s, and because it was the first wooden coaster installed in a major regional theme park that was built after Disneyland opened. *** Edited 6/19/2007 9:55:00 PM UTC by Brother Dave***

Both me, the coaster enthusiast, and my friends, the "GPers", absolutely loved riding The Racer on our trip last summer, so much so that we relapped the reverse car three times rather than take a lap on The Beast, Flight of Fear, or any of the other rides we could have taken a spin on.

I'm not surprised by this. It's a real crowd-pleaser.

It was featured on The Brady Bunch for crying out loud! What else do ya need? ;)

I’m mostly with gator on this one…the award is more a statement about what the ride has done for coaster popularity in general.

I will opine that this is a coaster that I think was terribly affected by the advent of the individual ratcheting lap bar. There was a time when KI’s Racer was an airtime God. Those orange bastard bars ruined everything that was great about the ride. My last few trips left me wondering if a return to the single bar could save the ride in its current condition though. The trains seemed to meander through the course with barley enough momentum to float a Kleenex. This was not always the case.

Personally, I think Blue Streak is a better out-and-back these days. This was NEVER a consideration in the 1970’s and early 1980’s.