[quote]A wing coaster creates a feeling of incredible freedom – you ride beside the coaster track with nothing above or below you. Thunderbird is the first launched wing coaster in the nation – we can’t wait to ride it!” — Holiday World president Matt Eckert [/quote]
Santa Claus, IN, USA (July 24, 2014) — The nation’s first launched wing coaster will take flight over Holiday World in 2015.
Named Thunderbird, Holiday World’s first major steel roller coaster will feature a zero-to-60 miles-per-hour launch in 3.5 seconds, followed by multiple inversions – including a 14-story Immelmann loop, Zero-g roll, barrel roll, and a loop soaring 125 feet in the air.
Continuing Holiday World’s tradition of sending roller coasters through its thickly wooded and hilly terrain, Thunderbird will at first soar and loop high in the air and then hug the ground, surprising riders with rapid-fire “near misses” such as keyholes, themed elements, other rides, trees, and even the ground.
Holiday World president Matt Eckert calls Thunderbird’s manufacturer, Bolliger & Mabillard, the “Cadillac of roller coasters, known for their safety, quality and reliability. We’ve dreamed of adding a B&M steel coaster for many years and are excited that Thunderbird will be B&M’s first launched coaster.”
Thunderbird’s $22 million price tag is more than twice the amount of any other single-ride investment at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in the park’s 68-year history.
Thunderbird will be located in the park’s Thanksgiving section.