Lightning Racer Amazing?

I just read the Lightning Racer review at ThrillRide.com, and that coaster looks AWESOME. Is it as incredible as it looks? That "snake pit" looks absolutely dizzying. Anyone here have opinions on this fine GCI machine?

(In this spot used to be a stupid comment about GCI being based in the Greater Cincinnati Area. I just realized I'm stupid. That's CCI.) *** This post was edited by Jacob on 6/27/2000. ***

I went to HERSHEYPARK two weeks ago on an overcast evening and got 12 rides on Lightning Racer (6 on each side), three of which were during a pouring thunderstorm. (Talk about a real Lightning Racer!)It is a great set of coasters, well planned, sleek and fast, with plenty of racing and dueling tricks! Like so many of this summer's new coasters (Boulder Dash, MF, Villain) it is just out and out fun! We spent the morning at Dorney Park then took advantage of the after 5pm deal (18.95 for 5 hours of fun) and got multiple rides on EVERY coaster... It was a great evening and it was terrific to ride LIGHTNING RACER, my new HERSHEYPARK favorite! Enjoy.

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"You have to scale a lot of lift hills to coast easily..."

Jason

The Lightning Racer is great. Even if it didn't race and duel it would be a cool ride. My favorite part is when the trains criss cross over each other. I also like to be losing the race since I can watch the other train especially after the tunnel to the duel. I think all the GCI coasters are just what the company name is "Great Coasters". I just wish more parks would build them.
Plus the company is owned by Mike Boodley a long time ACE member. He worked for CCI before starting GCI. One of his first designs for CCI was the Outlaw in Iowa in 94. I can't wait to see his new creation for next year.

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Parks hit for 2000!
PKD,BGW,Knoebels,DP,HP,PKI,HW,SFKK,SFA, Camden, SFO,CP,WL,IW,KW,BP

I have a question about the Lightning Racers. Are the coasters 2 completely seperate and distinct tracks, or do you start in one station and end up in another, thus making it one really long track, with 2 lifts? (like Kennywood's racer)

Just curious, I can't tell from internet pictures.

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Gotta ride 'em all!

No, it's too separate tracks... similar but with distinct differences here and there.
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"You have to scale a lot of lift hills to coast easily..."

Jason

Lightning Racer is the Best wooden roller coaster I have been on. It is so Smooth, you just glide along and it is so much fun.

For Some Strange Reason Lightning Seemed More Exciting? The Whole ride is awesome from start to finish! The the first drop into the second hill is really neat, not because of speed(51mph), but the positive G's and the twisting climb up the second hill. I think the 60 degree turns are so awesome too!

GCI is as good or better than CCI
(opinion)

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Racers Start your Engines!
at Hersheypark

The Lightning racer is one of those coasters that doesn't let up from the first drop until the final brakes. I think it's actually hyper coaster smooth (Steel Force, Apollo's Chariot). I was to Hershey yesterday and it was a 2 or 3 train wait all day.
I personally think it really comes alive at night with the lights. Take a look at the Lightning Racer from the top of the Wildcat or Giant wheel. Lights everywhere, truely amazing.

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Parks hit for 2000!
PKD,BGW,Knoebels,DP,HP,PKI,HW,SFKK,SFA, Camden, SFO,CP,WL,IW,KW,BP

Hey, I'm going to HP on Friday, July 22. Is the park as crowded on Fridays as it is on the weekends??

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There's nothing like a woodie...

Yeah, the amazing lights are what drew us back from GREAT BEAR in the rain to ride it even more!
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"You have to scale a lot of lift hills to coast easily..."

Jason

I'm not sure of the crowds on Fridays. I think they probably get long toward afternoon but not nearly as bad as the weekend. I wasn't to Hershey on a Friday yet this season. Maybe I'll head down to Hershey on the 22nd to meet up with you. Depends if we plan a trip that week or not.

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Parks hit for 2000!
PKD,BGW,Knoebels,DP,HP,PKI,HW,SFKK,SFA, Camden, SFO,CP,WL,IW,KW,BP

Yep, Lightning Racer is one (make that two) GREAT coaster. First, it's just beautiful to look at. Look out to your right as you're on the lift hill. Or better yet, take a look at it from the Wildcat. Secondly, the ride is fast and unrelenting - it just doesn't stop until someone wins. And the section where each tracks crosses over and then under the other - extraordinary!
Get to Hershey and ride this coaster.

Ok haven't been to Heshey in awhile but I'm going I hope this coaster is all everyone is making it out to be, maybe HP is on the rebound

I went to Hershey with that Preview Plan on a friday night. It was beyond empty. Rode all of the rollercoasters, plus LR and the wildcat three times each without having to wait in line. Then again there was a Soccer game in Hershey Arena. So check and see it there is an event going on that night and the park will thin out.

Thanks MFbound. I'm going to the BIG 33 football game on Sat. July 22. That is why the big trip plans. Do you have any tips for me?? Does anyone else have any traffic tips or places to stay for the night. Thursday to Saturday??
Just email me, I would appreciate it.


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There's nothing like a woodie...