Paramount's Kings Dominion News Release
PARAMOUNT’S KINGS DOMINION ADDS TWELFTH COASTER, RICOCHET
RICHMOND, VA (August 1, 2001) -- Paramount's Kings Dominion proudly announces the addition of the twelfth roller coaster in it’s unique collection of coaster experiences --dubbed "The Daring Dozen." Construction has already begun on Ricochet -- a unique, fast track roller coaster packed with tight hairpin turns, abrupt twists, breathtaking bumps, insane turn-arounds and a fantastic 50-foot drop.
Ricochet was designed by Mack & Company from Germany. The ride is an exceptional coaster experience designed to provide every rider with the feeling of sitting in the front car as each four-seat vehicle takes thrill seekers on a wild three-minute adventure.
Fast track coasters got their start in the 1950’s as "Wild Mouse" coasters and have evolved into today’s modern mechanical marvels. The basic premise of the "Wild Mouse" remains -- compact coaster design with single cars careening high above through tight turns and abrupt drops. What makes this fast track coaster different from others is the custom-designed 50-foot drop. The drop is twice as high as on other "Wild Mouse" coaster designs and means more speed and bigger thrills for Ricochet riders.
"Our coaster collection is unmatched and with the biggest variety of coaster experiences anywhere there’s something for everybody! Paramount's Kings Dominion is every coaster enthusiast’s number one destination in the east!," boasts Executive Vice President and General Manager Richard Zimmerman. "Paramount Parks got a great response to this ride when we installed it at Canada’s Wonderland and we think our guests will love it as part of the PKD coaster collection!"
Heinrich Mack GMBH & Company from Waldkirch, Germany is recognized worldwide as a leader in roller coaster design. Mack was founded by Mr. Paul Mack in 1780 and began manufacturing amusement rides in 1920. Mack & Company also designed and built Kings Dominion’s unique bobsled-style coaster, Avalanche in 1988.
Ricochet Statistics:
Description: Ricochet is a fast track roller coaster that is uniquely designed with four passenger cars. Guests will experience hairpin turns, quick twists, breathtaking bumps and a fantastic 50-foot drop.
Debut: Spring 2002.
Location: The Grove – expanded area between Rebel Yell and The Hurler.
Number of Passengers: Ricochet is equipped with ten cars that seat four passengers each. Ricochet accommodates 960 passengers per hour.
Ride Specifications: Ricochet has 1,340 feet of track and a height of 52 feet. The ride incorporates a chain lift driven by an AC variable speed motor. There are 32 round tapered steel columns, which form the frame for 8 support arms. The track system consists of two 4-inch-round steel tubes with a thickness of nearly half-an-inch.
Ride Duration: 3 minutes.
Ride Manufacturer: Heinrich Mack GMBH & Company, Waldkirch, Germany
©2007 JAR Productions. All rights reserved.