CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A favorite Carowinds’ roller coaster will retire Sunday after 39 years and almost 40 million rides.
The classic wooden coaster, Thunder Road, has parallel tracks placed in both North and South Carolina that allows riders to “race” at speeds up to 45 mph.
- PRESS PLAY Take a look at Thunder Road's first ride:
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The ride, made of 539,000 feet of treated wood, joined the amusement park in 1976. It was modeled after Carowinds’ sister park Kings Island in Ohio.
Park goers have until 10 p.m. on July 26 to enjoy the coaster. The ride’s retirement will make way for a park expansion, which is part of a $50 million multi-year investment plan.
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