Thunder Striker

{{Short description|Steel roller coaster at Carowinds}} {{About|the roller coaster at Carowinds|the roller coaster at Kings Dominion formerly known as Intimidator 305|Pantherian}} {{Good article}} {{Infobox roller coaster | name = Thunder Striker | logo = | image = Thunder Striker entrance.jpg |previousnames= Intimidator (2010-2023) | location = Carowinds | section = Thunder Road | coordinates = {{Coord|35|06|11|N|80|56|22|W|region:US-SC_type:landmark|display=title,inline}} | caption = Lift hill and entrance for Thunder Striker | type = Steel | manufacturer = Bolliger & Mabillard | model = [[Hyper Coaster]] | track = [[Out and back roller coaster|Out and back]] | lift = [[Lift hill]] | status = Operating | opened = {{Start date|2010|03|27}} | height_ft = 232 | drop_ft = 211 | angle = 74 | length_ft = 5316 | speed_mph = 80 | gforce = 4.3 | inversions = 0 | duration = 3:33 | capacity = 1600 | cost = $23 million | restriction_in=54 | trains=3 | carspertrain=8 | rowspercar=1 | ridersperrow=4 | virtual_queue_name = [[Fast Lane (Cedar Fair)|Fast Lane]] | virtual_queue_image = Cedar Fair Fast Lane availability icon.svg | virtual_queue_status = available | single_rider =  | accessible =  | transfer_accessible =  | rcdb_number = 8588 }}

'''Thunder Striker''', formerly known as '''Intimidator''', is a [[hypercoaster]] located at [[Carowinds]] in [[Charlotte, North Carolina]], United States. Built by [[Bolliger & Mabillard]] and located in the [[Carowinds#Thunder Road|Thunder Road]] section of the park, the ride opened to public on March 27, 2010. It features a {{Convert|232|ft|adj=on}} lift hill, a top speed of {{Convert|75|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, and a track length of {{Convert|5316|ft|adj=off}}.

The roller coaster was originally named after [[NASCAR]] driver [[Dale Earnhardt]], who was nicknamed "the Intimidator." Following the expiring of a license agreement with Earnhardt's estate in December 2023, Cedar Fair renamed the coaster Thunder Striker for the 2024 season.

== History == Construction on Intimidator began during the summer of 2009 with land clearing and footings being constructed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=114499123598&set=a.114496183598.100607.91085023598&type=3&theater |title=Land Clearing & Footers |publisher=Carowinds |date=August 11, 2009 |access-date=July 31, 2012 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922133329/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D114499123598%26set%3Da.114496183598.100607.91085023598%26type%3D3%26theater |url-status=live }}</ref> Track pieces first began to arrive at Carowinds on August 7, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.facebook.com/carowindspark/posts/112489477267 |title=Coaster Track Arrives |publisher=Carowinds |date=August 7, 2009 |access-date=July 31, 2012 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922133330/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcarowindspark%2Fposts%2F112489477267 |url-status=live }}</ref> About three weeks later, on August 26, 2009, Carowinds officially announced Intimidator. Along with the announcement, Carowinds reached a licensing agreement with [[Dale Earnhardt, Inc.]] to use the late [[NASCAR]] racing legend [[Dale Earnhardt]]'s brand as part of the ride.<ref name=gaston /><ref name="The Herald">{{Cite news |last=Foster |first=Jason |date=2009-08-27 |title=New Carowinds coaster to replicate NASCAR race |pages=1 |work=The Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109991367/new-carowinds-coaster-to-replicate/ |access-date=2022-09-22}}</ref><ref name="The Index-Journal">{{Cite news |date=2009-09-06 |title=Carowinds' coaster to honor Earnhardt |pages=23 |work=The Index-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109991506/carowinds-coaster-to-honor-earnhardt/ |access-date=2022-09-22}}</ref> One of Earnhardt's sons, [[Kerry Earnhardt]], was on-hand for the press conference announcing the attraction and endorsed the ride on behalf of the family.<ref name="August 27, 2009">{{cite news| last =Foster| first =Jason| title =Carowinds gets intimidating| url =http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2009/08/27/911534/carowinds-gets-intimidating.html| work =The Charlotte Observer| date =August 27, 2009| access-date =August 27, 2009| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140903075135/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2009/08/27/911534/carowinds-gets-intimidating.html| archive-date =September 3, 2014| url-status =dead}}</ref>

The first supports and track for Intimidator were installed on September 1, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=125596643598&set=a.125492718598.106289.91085023598&type=1&theater |title=First Supports Installed |publisher=Carowinds |date=September 1, 2009 |access-date=July 31, 2012 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922133330/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D125596643598%26set%3Da.125492718598.106289.91085023598%26type%3D1%26theater |url-status=live }}</ref> The lift hill was erected on October 1, 2009, and was completed on October 13, 2009. In order to install the last lift piece, 3 cranes were required.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=143285518598&set=a.125492718598.106289.91085023598&type=1&theater |title=Lift Hill Erection |publisher=Carowinds |date=October 1, 2009 |access-date=July 31, 2012 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922133331/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D143285518598%26set%3Da.125492718598.106289.91085023598%26type%3D1%26theater |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=153280378598&set=a.114496183598.100607.91085023598&type=1&theater |title=Lift Hill Capped |publisher=Carowinds |date=October 13, 2012 |access-date=July 31, 2012 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922133331/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D153280378598%26set%3Da.114496183598.100607.91085023598%26type%3D1%26theater |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://intimidator.carowinds.com/public/latest/blog/index.cfm?entry=42db4703-ef3c-4a5b-aeca-2c8f63e39fd4 |title=10-13-09 THE LIFT HILL CAPPING |publisher=Carowinds |date=October 13, 2009 |access-date=August 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140815184003/http://intimidator.carowinds.com/public/latest/blog/index.cfm?entry=42db4703-ef3c-4a5b-aeca-2c8f63e39fd4 |archive-date=August 15, 2014 }}</ref> Construction on the roller coaster layout continued through November and December with the final track piece installed on December 21, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=214632223598&set=a.125492718598.106289.91085023598&type=1&theater |title=Last Track Piece |publisher=Carowinds |date=December 21, 2009 |access-date=August 1, 2012 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922133331/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D214632223598%26set%3Da.125492718598.106289.91085023598%26type%3D1%26theater |url-status=live }}</ref> Construction on the station, mechanics, and landscaping of Intimidator took place during the months of January and February.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://intimidator.carowinds.com/public/latest/blog/index.cfm?entry=aeb6e4f8-3072-42a2-be33-fc5d62d90ad1 |title=1/20/10 DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS |publisher=Carowinds |date=January 20, 2010 |access-date=August 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403114253/http://intimidator.carowinds.com/public/latest/blog/index.cfm?entry=aeb6e4f8-3072-42a2-be33-fc5d62d90ad1 |archive-date=April 3, 2014 }}</ref> On February 4, 2010, testing of Intimidator commenced.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.289530503598.148744.91085023598&type=1 |title=2.04.10 FIRST Train test run |publisher=Carowinds |access-date=August 1, 2012 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922133331/https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.289530503598.148744.91085023598&type=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> The ride ultimately cost $23 million.<ref name="The Herald 3">{{Cite news |last=Foster |first=Jason |date=2010-03-21 |title=Carowinds banks on Intimidator for 2010 rush |pages=9, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109990558/ 13] |work=The Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109990543/carowinds-banks-on-intimidator-for-2010/ |access-date=2022-09-22}}</ref><ref name="The Herald 2">{{Cite news |date=2010-03-27 |title=3 1/2 minutes of intimidation at 80 mph |pages=A1 |work=The Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109991278/3-1-2-minutes-of-intimidation-at-80-mph/ |access-date=2022-09-22}}</ref>

On January 14, 2010, Carowinds launched a "First Rider Auction" in which people from anywhere in the world would bid to be one of Intimidator's first 96 public riders. The winners would ride the coaster on March 27, 2010, before it opened to general public; all money raised from the auction would go to the Dale Earnhardt Foundation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/Carowinds-auctions-first-rides-on-Intimidator-coaster-82614007.html |title=Carowinds auctions first ride on Intimidator coaster |publisher=wcnc.com |date=January 25, 2010 |access-date=August 10, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209093216/http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/Carowinds-auctions-first-rides-on-Intimidator-coaster-82614007.html |archive-date=February 9, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20100114/870/carowinds-launches-charity-auction-first-intimidator-rides |title=Carowinds launches charity auction for first Intimidator rides |publisher=Theme Park Tourist |date=January 14, 2010 |access-date=August 10, 2012 |archive-date=December 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202155135/https://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20100114/870/carowinds-launches-charity-auction-first-intimidator-rides |url-status=live }}</ref> The highest bid for a single seat was US$500.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://intimidator.carowinds.com/public/auction/grid.cfm |title=Carowinds First Rider Auction |publisher=Carowinds |access-date=August 10, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828002156/http://intimidator.carowinds.com/public/auction/grid.cfm |archive-date=August 28, 2010 }}</ref> The new roller coaster officially opened to the public on March 27, 2010.<ref name="Intimidator open">{{cite web |date=March 27, 2010 |title=Carowinds' new roller coaster The Intimidator opens today |url=http://www.heraldonline.com/2010/03/27/2048491_312-minutes-of-intimidation-at.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125084100/http://www.heraldonline.com/2010/03/27/2048491_312-minutes-of-intimidation-at.html |archive-date=January 25, 2013 |access-date=August 10, 2012 |publisher=Herald Online}}</ref><ref name="The Herald 2" /> Intimidator was one of two roller coasters themed to Earnhardt that opened in 2010; the other was [[Pantherian]] (formerly Intimidator 305), a giga coaster manufactured by [[Intamin]] at [[Kings Dominion]], another Cedar Fair park.<ref name="nyt-2010-06-10">{{Cite news |last=Margolies |first=Jane |date=2010-06-10 |title=New Amusement Parks in 2010 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/13/travel/13harryside.html |access-date=2022-09-22 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Carowinds officials hoped that the ride would attract guests.<ref name="The Herald 3" />

The licensing agreement to use the Intimidator nickname from the Earnhardt estate expired in December 2023. As a result, Intimidator was renamed Thunder Striker<ref name="2024-Rename-WCNC">{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Hank |title=Carowinds renames iconic 'Intimidator' coaster |url=https://www.wcnc.com/article/entertainment/carowinds-roller-coaster-intimidator-renamed-thunder-striker/275-73e35a78-464a-4f0a-a012-f8ba72f27fb6 |website=WCNC.com |access-date=February 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240229005907/https://www.wcnc.com/article/entertainment/carowinds-roller-coaster-intimidator-renamed-thunder-striker/275-73e35a78-464a-4f0a-a012-f8ba72f27fb6 |archive-date=February 29, 2024 |date=February 28, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> and the section of the park was named Thunder Road in recognition of the area's connection to [[stock car racing]] and as a tribute to the park's [[Thunder Road (roller coaster)|defunct wooden racing roller coaster]].<ref name=Muccigrosso>{{cite news|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article286078026.html|title=Carowinds dumps Earnhardt nickname from roller coaster in favor of new theme|last=Muccigrosso|first=Catherine|work=[[The Charlotte Observer]]|date=March 1, 2024}}</ref>

== Ride experience == [[File:Intimidator train passing over queue.jpg|thumb|right|Train passing by the queue]] Thunder Striker features eight drops, seven [[Camelback (roller coaster element)|camelback hills]], a panoramic U-turn, and a diving spiral.<ref name="gaston" /><ref name="the state" /><ref name="layout" /> The seven camelback hills represent each of Earnhardt's championships.<ref name="The Index-Journal" /> From the first drop to the brake run, the camelback hills respectively measure {{Convert|178|ft|adj=off}}, {{Convert|151|ft|adj=off}}, {{Convert|105|ft}}, {{Convert|90|ft|adj=off}}, {{Convert|62|ft|adj=off}}, {{Convert|52|ft|adj=off}}, and {{Convert|48|ft|adj=off}} tall.<ref name="The Index-Journal" /><ref name="layout" /> One cycle lasts about 3 minutes and 33 seconds.<ref name="gaston" /><ref name="the state" /><ref name="layout" />

After departing from the station, the train heads straight to the [[chain lift hill]]. Once the train reaches the top of the {{Convert|232|ft|adj=on}} lift, it drops {{Convert|211|ft|m}} at a 74-degree angle reaching speeds of up to {{Convert|75|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="The Index-Journal" /><ref name="layout" /> Following the first drop, the train then goes over the first camelback hill before making a sharp right hand turn back to the ground followed by a left hand turn. After the turn, the train goes over the second camelback hill. Following the hill, the train enters a {{Convert|121|ft|adj=mid}} hammerhead turn. The train then goes over a third camelback hill, immediately followed by another camelback hill. Next, the train makes a left hand turn into the mid-course [[brake run]] which slows the train down. After the train exits the brake run, it goes over the fifth camelback and makes a sharp right hand turn into an element known as a Diving Spiral. The train goes through two more camelback hills, then enters the final brake run which leads into the station.<ref name=layout>{{cite web |url=http://intimidator.carowinds.com/public/ride/layout.cfm |title=Intimidator Layout |publisher=Carowinds |access-date=August 4, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607005330/http://intimidator.carowinds.com/public/ride/layout.cfm |archive-date=June 7, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOGUZmW8atI&feature=c-shelf-119 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/fOGUZmW8atI |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Intimidator Front Seat on-ride HD POV Carowinds |publisher=wwwCOASTERFORCEcom (YouTube) |date=January 28, 2010 |access-date=August 7, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

== Characteristics ==

=== Trains === Thunder Striker operates with three open-air stadium style<ref name=RCDB /><ref name="The Index-Journal" /> steel and fiberglass trains. Each train has eight cars that have four seats each for a total of 32 riders per train.<ref name=RCDB /><ref name=gaston>{{cite web |url=http://www.gastongazette.com/news/carowinds-37297-ride-nascar.html |title=Carowinds announces new ride - "The Intimidator" - to honor legendary NASCAR driver |publisher=Gaston Gazette |date=August 26, 2009 |access-date=August 10, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="The Index-Journal" /> Additionally, the trains were originally themed after [[Dale Earnhardt]]’s 1998 [[Richard Childress Racing|RCR]] No. 3 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.<ref name=gaston /><ref name="The Index-Journal" /><ref name="the state">{{cite web |url=http://www.thestate.com/2010/03/27/1218224/intimidator-thrills-coaster-fans.html#.UCWqVp2PUsJ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204195901/http://www.thestate.com/2010/03/27/1218224/intimidator-thrills-coaster-fans.html%23.UCWqVp2PUsJ |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 4, 2013 |title=Intimidator thrills coaster fans at Carowinds debut |publisher=The State |date=March 27, 2010 |access-date=August 10, 2012 }}</ref> The train bodies are colored red and black, with gray seats. The trains' restraint system consists of T-shaped [[Lap bar|lap bars]].<ref name="The Index-Journal" />

=== Track === The steel track is painted red, while the supports are gray.<ref name="The Index-Journal" /> The steel track is {{Convert|5316|ft|adj=off}} in length, and the height of the lift is approximately {{Convert|232|ft|adj=off}}.<ref name=RCDB>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Intimidator|location=Carowinds|rcdb_number=8588|access-date=August 4, 2012}}</ref><ref name=gaston /><ref name="The Herald" /> The angle of the first descent is approximately 74 degrees.<ref name=RCDB /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxcharlotte.com/rising/89259127.html |title=Intimidator Hits the Track Tomorrow at Carowinds |publisher=Fox Charlotte |date=March 26, 2010 |access-date=August 10, 2012 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922133332/https://www.fox46.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Also, the roller coaster includes trim brakes and magnetic brakes for speed control.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rcdb.com/8588.htm?p=29647 |title=Intimidator Friction Brakes |publisher=Roller Coaster Database |access-date=August 11, 2012 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922133333/https://rcdb.com/8588.htm?p=29647 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rcdb.com/8588.htm?p=23655 |title=Intimidator Track Pieces Onsite |publisher=Roller Coaster Database |access-date=August 11, 2012 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922133333/https://rcdb.com/8588.htm?p=23655 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2020, the track was repainted.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.carowinds.com/blog/2021/2021-park-improvements|title=2021 Park Improvements|publisher=Carowinds|access-date=2021-12-07|archive-date=2021-12-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209195350/https://www.carowinds.com/blog/2021/2021-park-improvements|url-status=live}}</ref> The tracks weigh {{convert|1.567|e6lb}} and the supports weigh about {{convert|1.5|e6lb}}, giving the ride structure a total weight of about {{convert|3.391|e6lb|t}}.<ref name="The Index-Journal" />

=== Theme === Prior to the removal of the ride's Earnhardt theme, Intimidator, much like its northern cousin, [[Pantherian]] (formerly Intimidator 305), had very loose theming in the ride's entrance plaza, queue and station building, such as items of family memorabilia, a replica of Earnhardt's racecar, and signage and architecture meant to evoke the feeling of being at a speedway. Post-renovation, the ride, now named Thunder Striker, entails the story of mechanics modifying an old hot rod and it becoming the new champion of dirt road racing in the Carolinas. Riders represent guests of "Earl", the hot rod's owner, who join him in a joy ride.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roller Coaster {{!}} Thunder Striker{{!}} Carowinds |url=https://www.carowinds.com/rides-experiences/thunder-striker |access-date=2025-09-06 |website=www.carowinds.com |language=en}}</ref>

== Awards == [[File:Intimidator entrance sign.jpg|thumb|right|Former entrance sign prior to the 2024 season]] {{GTA table | type = steel | access-date = September 12, 2016 | 2010 = 21 (tie) | 2011 = 19 | 2012 = 7 | 2013 = 8 | 2014 = 10 | 2015 = 7 | 2016 = 8 | 2017 = 19 | 2018 = 22 | 2019 = 28 | 2021 = 23 (tie) | 2022 = 27 | 2023 = 15 (tie) |2024=49}}

{| class="wikitable" |- ! style="text-align:center; background:white;" colspan="500"|[[Golden Ticket Awards]]: [[Golden Ticket Award for Best New Ride|Best New Ride]] for 2010 |- style="background:#white;" ! style="text-align:center;"|Year !2010 |- !align="center" style="background-color: #white;"|Ranking |{{center|4<ref name="goldenticketawards">{{cite web|url=http://www.goldenticketawards.com/PDF/GTA2010issue.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724211345/http://www.goldenticketawards.com/PDF/GTA2010issue.pdf|archive-date=July 24, 2011 |title=Amusement Today — Golden Ticket Winners 2010|publisher=Amusement Today |access-date=March 17, 2012}}</ref>}} |- |}

== References == {{Reflist|30em}}

== External links == {{commons category}} * {{official|https://www.carowinds.com/rides-experiences/thunder-striker}}

[[Category:Carowinds]] [[Category:Dale Earnhardt]] [[Category:Hypercoasters manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard]] [[Category:Roller coasters in South Carolina]] [[Category:Roller coasters opened in 2010]] [[Category:Roller coasters operated by Six Flags]]