Lagoon Adding J3 Grand Prix in 2027, US’ First Intamin Hot Racer

Update: On October 3, Lagoon officially announced J3 Grand Prix. The Intamin Hot Racer model — the first of its kind in the US — will feature a compact 1,746-foot layout will feature two launches, three inversions and 13 airtime moments (including up to eight seconds of total airtime) with a top speed of 40 mph. Riders will sit in a single-file configuration, creating a cockpit-like sensation as they race through the course.

Lagoon has been teasing an attraction for 2027 on social media – and we now know a few details. According to Utah television station ABC4, the park will become the home for the first Intamin Hot Racer in the United States next summer. The ride’s name, theme, and layout are expected to be announced this weekend.

Park authorities told ABC4 that “the new ride will feature a unique single-file seating configuration that positions riders directly above the track for a “cockpit” sensation. It is also designed to deliver an immersive, high-intensity experience in a compact footprint.”

According to RCDB, each of the existing “Hot Racer” models features a unique design, but a few key statistics for Lagoon’s coaster have been revealed.

The ride will feature 1,746 feet of track and a ride time of 1 minute, 42 seconds and a top speed of 40 miles per hour, with two individual launches. The track layout will have a maximum height of 50 feet, 13 airtime moments and feature up to 8 seconds of airtime. On top of all of that, the layout will also feature three inversions, taken on by two-10 passenger trains. Riders have to be 48″ tall to ride this coaster.

While the numbers don’t match up exactly – Intamin’s “Hot Racer Overdrive” Layout could provide a good example of what Lagoon’s new coaster could become. Keep in mind though, the other four Hot Racer models are all unique and custom layouts (with two featuring a “double top hat” that’s not present on this rendering.)

According to Intamin from their latest installation, Mahuka at Walibi Rhône-Alpes:

Intamin’s Hot Racer is an innovative single–rail roller coaster model designed to maximize thrills in a compact space. With its slender trains and track design, the Hot Racer offers unparalleled flexibility for layout creativity, allowing for the incorporation of thrilling elements within a limited footprint. 

Prepare for an adrenaline-pumping ride as Mahuka boasts two launches and seatings positioned close to the track, delivering an immersive high-speed experience with thrilling elements throughout the layout.  The “backboned” track design reduces the number of columns needed in comparison to other track designs, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the ride with the already iconic double top-hat. 

When Mahuka opened in 2024, Intamin noted that improvements were made to the ride’s trains from the first installation – Big Dipper at Luna Park in Australia.

Building upon its predecessor at Luna Park in Australia, the new Hot Racer has undergone significant enhancements. The chassis was significantly refined to enhance ride comfort and ensure an even better fit to the track. Additionally, the brand-new carbon fiber lap bars contribute to a lighter train and lower center of gravity, enhancing the experience with an even smoother ride. 

We’ll update this article with more information when Lagoon makes their “official” announcement this weekend!