In a surprise announcement from Carowinds, the park’s B&M Hypercoaster, formerly known as Intimidator, will receive a new name and backstory in the 2024 season. The coaster will now be known as Thunder Striker.
According to Carowinds – Thunder Striker was built in the back of Earl’s Garage on Thunder Road. Master mechanics stripped down the old jalopy and scrounged up parts to create a souped-up engine that’s optimized for pure speed.
Now Thunder Striker is the champion of the dirt road racers. The fastest, meanest hot rod in two states. Lucky visitors to Earl’s might get to hop in the sleek, black-bodied roadster with signature lightning bolts painted on the hood. They’ll surely get the ride of a lifetime—a high-fuel, high-thrill spin through the Carolinas.
(Author’s Note: Personally, I love the nods to Carowinds’ history in the backstory of Thunder Striker. Earl’s Garage refers to Earl Patterson Hall (E. Pat Hall), the founder of Carowinds, with nods to Thunder Road and the former Jalopies that operated during Carowinds’ early years.)
“The Intimidator roller coaster at Carowinds was introduced in 2010 through a partnership between Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) and Carowinds. After many years of successful collaboration, the contract with DEI for the naming and theming of Intimidator roller coaster at Carowinds concluded on December 31, 2023. We extend our sincere gratitutde and appreciation to DEI for years of a successful partnership,” said Carowinds Director of Communications Courtney McGarry Weber in a statement.
“This marks the commencement of an exciting new chapter for Carowinds and its iconic attraction. Carowinds is finalizing creative assets, including theming. We remain dedicated to delivering unforgettable experiences for our guests and look forward to sharing more details soon,” she continued.
With more than a mile of track, and heights reaching 232′ tall, Thunder Striker is one of the United States’ longest and tallest roller coasters. Thrilling guests since its opening in 2010, the coaster features 8 camelback hills, reaches top speeds of 75mph and is an airtime machine – a perfect compliment to the nearby Fury 325’s speed and intensity.
One of the tallest and fastest coasters on the East Coast is undergoing a transformation. While the insane drops, twists and turns are the same, the look and feel of the coaster will evolve. Details are coming. In the meantime, brace yourself. #Project305 https://t.co/Cf6fTp8K9U pic.twitter.com/LJlm6FGTkY
— Kings Dominion (@KingsDominionVA) February 28, 2024
The DEI licensing partnership appears to have concluded at Kings Dominion as well, with the park announcing #Project305 on Social Media around the same time as Carowinds’ announcement.
For more information about #Project305 at Kings Dominion, Click Here.
Carowinds opens for the 2024 season on Saturday, March 9. For more information, be sure to visit Carowinds’ website, and follow the park on social media. Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram
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