California's Great America theme park, owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, has announced that the Gold Striker will debut in spring 2013.
Related: Cedar Point’s Record Breaking Winged Roller Coaster, the GateKeeper, for 2013/ The Major New Theme Park Rides for 2011
This wooden rollercoaster will be 108 feet tall at its highest point with a first drop of 103 feet at a 50-degree angle. The whole ride will last over two minutes as riders travel the 3,197 feet of track at speeds of up to 54 miles per hour experiencing high-speed twists, turns, drops, station fly-by and the Old West. The ride is named for the pioneering gold-seekers who rushed to the area in 1849 and has two trains which accommodate 24 passengers in six carriages of four riders each. Ride capacity is 850 riders per hour and riders must be over 48 inches tall to ride.
California's Great America Vice-President and General Manager, Raul Rehnborg said, "Gold Striker reflects our commitment to providing our guests with the best thrills and entertainment value in the region. This ride was uniquely designed by melding together the highest performing and most exciting features of the very best wooden roller coasters in the world. Everyone who enjoys the thrills of riding a roller coaster will want to experience Gold Striker."
Gold Striker is California's Great America’s eighth roller coaster and is to be located in the Celebration Plaza area, wrapping around the park's Star Tower attraction.
Visitors can take a virtual ride on Gold Striker at cagreatamerica.com as well as accessing exclusive updates and features.