New Roller Coaster Pushing the Limits of Gravity

The wait is over for guests who are ready to ride the groundbreaking new single rail steel coaster, RailBlazer, at California's Great America. It is now open to the public; the much-anticipated coaster is the first of its kind on the West Coast, featuring a single rail track.

“For this roller coaster we’re breaking all the rules,” said Rob Decker, senior vice president of planning and design at Cedar Fair Entertainment. “We’re starting with a new page, it’s a new incredible revolutionary roller coaster that is a single rail roller coaster. And when you think about that we can straddle the rail as a rider and sit down lower to the rail, lower center of gravity with eight riders in one line. We’re able to change the dynamics of all the turns, transition and rotational forces throughout the ride.”

The design requires the rider to straddle the rail, creating an extremely low center of gravity that amplifies every move and enables more dynamic turns and rotations than have ever been possible on a coaster. With an eight-passenger single file train hugging the rail, riders will speed smoothly over the twisting track as they experience an abundance of airtime and steeply banked turns.

Features of the ride include:

• A maximum height of 106 feet
• A 90-degree, face-down first drop
• Over 1,800 feet of track
• A top speed of 52 miles per hour
• Three inversions, including a zero-gravity roll

"We know our guests can't wait to ride RailBlazer, a truly revolutionary roller coaster concept," said Raul Rehnborg, vice president and general manager, California's Great America. "This intense and exhilarating attraction kicks off a multi-year transformation of California's Great America, following the City of Santa Clara's approval of the park's new master plan. This world-class attraction will be the first of many exciting and new developments guests will experience in the years to come."

The design spirit of the ride is reflective of an off-road adventure, with immersive sensory theming that embraces the great outdoors of the Bay Area and Central Coast. Once on board, riders will ascend a 45-degree climb, dive into a ravine and encounter steeped embankments representing an extreme four-wheeling journey. Imposing physical elements during the ride and queue line include a natural waterway, rocky surroundings and a trailhead marquee sign designed to mark the beginning of the journey.

Season Passholders will have early access to RailBlazer, with the exclusive opportunity to ride all week whenever the park is open, before the ride opens to the public on Thursday, June 14.

To learn more about RailBlazer, purchase Season Passes or check operating hours, visit www.cagreatamerica.com.

\

About the RailBlazer Roller coaster

California’s Great America will introduce a groundbreaking new single rail steel coaster, RailBlazer, for the 2018 season. RailBlazer will be the first coaster of its kind on the West Coast featuring a single rail track throughout; the design requires the rider to straddle the rail, creating an extremely low center of gravity that amplifies every move and enables more dynamic turns and rotations than have ever been possible on a coaster. With an eight-passenger single file train hugging the rail, the coaster will give riders an unobstructed view of the ground and air as they speed smoothly over the twisting track.

A Revolutionary Roller Coaster Concept

“RailBlazer is a revolutionary roller coaster concept that will be an intense and exhilarating ride experience for our guests,” said Raul Rehnborg, vice president and general manager, California’s Great America. “In addition, it marks the company’s initial investment in the park following the City of Santa Clara’s approval this year of the new park master plan, and kicks off a multi-year transformation of California’s Great America into a world-class destination for everyone in the Bay Area and beyond.”

Intense and Exhilarating

RailBlazer will lift riders to a height of 106 feet before plunging them face down at a 90-degree angle. Throughout the 1,800 feet of track, riders will travel 52 miles per hour, experience an abundance of airtime and steeply banked turns, and undertake three inversions and twist through a zero gravity roll.

An Immersive, Off-Road Adventure

The design spirit of the ride is reflective of an off-road adventure, with immersive sensory theming that embraces the great outdoors of the Bay Area and Central Coast. Once on board, riders will ascend a 45-degree climb, dive into a ravine and encounter steeped embankments representing an extreme four-wheeling journey.

Imposing and Scenic

Imposing physical elements during the ride and queue line include a natural waterway, rocky surroundings and a trail-head marquee sign designed to mark the beginning of the journey.

About Rob Decker

Rob Decker, who the NY Times once called ‘A Real-Life Rollercoaster Tycoon.’ ’ He is VP of Planning and Design at Cedar Fair Entertainment, which operates 14 theme parks in the U.S. and Canada.

About California's Great America and Cedar Fair Entertainment Company

California's Great America is a 100-acre theme and water park located in Santa Clara, Calif. As Northern California's premier amusement park, featuring thrill rides, live entertainment, and the Boomerang Bay water park, California's Great America is the top destination for thrill-seekers and families alike. California's Great America is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a publicly traded partnership and one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. The Company owns and operates 11 amusement parks, two outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and four hotels. For more information, see www.cedarfair.com.

Courtesy: Cedar Fair Entertainment Company

Photo Courtesy: California's Great America