The straight piece of track is better in a way. Ive ridden appolos chariot in the back row, and since you see the train dip down, the drop, its not a surprise. But if you are on Nitro, in the back row, middle seat, You have no idea whats ahead, then, WHOOSH! Personally, i like it w/o the piece cause the back seat gets "sucked" over the first drop. Plus theres no trim break up there, not that its used on other b&ms..