Intimidator coasters coming to Kings Dominion and Carowinds

Both Kings Dominion and Carowinds are to open new rollercoasters themed around NASCAR in 2010.

Although both coasters will be named after the Intimidator, referencing the late stock car driver Dale Earnhardt, they differ significantly in design. The Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion is designed by Intamin, while Carowind's Intimidator (which drops the "305" from the title) is a hypercoaster designed by Bolliger & Mabillard. Both are set to open in Spring next year.

Details of Kings Dominion's coaster have been circulating from some time, and construction shots have hinted at the final design. The park kept the ride's theming under wraps, however, until last week. It will be the second Intamin Giga Coaster in the US, after Millenium Force at Cedar Point. The park is spending $25 million on the Intimidator 305, which will feature Chevy-themed cars, an 85-degree, 300 foot initial drop and a top speed of 92mph.

Meanwhile, Carowinds' B&M coaster will reach 75mph following a 211 foot first drop, and feature seven "air time" hills to represent Earnhardt's seven NASCAR championships. It is the thirteenth coaster to open at the park.

One of the most successful NASCAR drivers of all time, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. died during the Daytona 500 race in 2001. He was nicknamed the "The Intimidator" due to his aggressive driving style.

You can keep an eye on the opening dates for new attractions over at Theme Park Tourist's "New Attraction Watch".