'World's Fastest' Wooden Coaster to Open at Dollywood
It's also the world’s first launching wood coaster, the theme park said.
— -- It's time to scream "Hello, Dollywood."
The Tennessee theme park announced it is set to debut in March 2016 what it says is "the world’s fastest wood coaster."
Themed after a tricked out 1950s-era hot rod, 'Lightning Rod' features 3,800 feet of track and reaches speed of 73 mph. In three minutes and 12 seconds, 24 riders will experience a 165-foot drop, a half-loop, a "twist and shout" twist and more.
The Goliath, at Six Flags Great America in Illinois, reaches speeds of 72 mph, according to the park.
Lightning Rod launches riders from a standstill to 45 mph as it rockets more than 20 stories up its lift hill.
“Lightning Rod reminds me so much of those colorful cars cruisin’ up and down Main Street in downtown Sevierville back when I was in high school," Dolly Parton said in a statement. "I remember all those souped up cars; but what I remember most were those good lookin’ boys behind the wheel with those flat top and ducktail haircuts."
“I’m truly excited about this ride because it will let our guests experience something just as fast as those hot rods I remember,” she continued. “Even better, it’s the fastest wooden roller coaster in the world, so I think we’re going to see a lot of people coming from all over to peel out on the Lightning Rod.”
The $22 million ride also marks the single largest attraction investment in The Dollywood Company’s history.