CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carowinds announced it is renaming its iconic Intimidator roller coaster after it carried the nickname of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt for more than a decade.
The coaster will now be known as Thunder Striker. A Carowinds spokesperson said the name change was necessary because the contract granting the park naming rights for the coaster expired at the end of December. The ride opened to great fanfare in 2010, with Carowinds licensing the name through Dale Earnhardt Inc.
Thunder Striker will evidently keep its racing theme, according to a video posted on Carowinds' Facebook page, calling the ride the "Carolinas' fastest, meanest hot rod." Thunder Striker is one of the tallest coasters in the country, standing at 232 feet tall with drops that carry riders at speeds up to 80 mph.
"This marks the commencement of an exciting new chapter for Carowinds and its iconic attraction," a park spokesperson told WCNC Charlotte.
Carowinds opening day is March 9. Season passes are available for purchase on the park's website.
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