Deerfield Township near Maineville in Warren County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
ACE Roller Coaster Landmark
American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) recognizes The Racer at Kings Island as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark, a designation reserved for rides of historic significance
Kings Island opened April 29, 1972, replacing Cincinnati's beloved Coney Island, which had endured periodic flooding during its 85-year existence on the Ohio River. For the new park, the signature attraction was The Racer, an 88-foot-high twin-tracked wooden roller coaster whose design was inspired by the venerable Coney Island Shooting Star (1947-1971). Engineered by John C. Allen and built by James L. Martz, both of the celebrated Philadelphia Toboggan Company, its two tracks totaled 6,830 feet in length, with an initial drop of 82-feet, 2-inches. Constructed at a cost of $1.8 million by park contractors, modified versions of the ride were eventually built at two other parks.
In addition to being considered an important part of the coaster renaissance of the 1970s, the racer was the site of several world record riding attempts and might be best remembered in a television episode of The Brady Bunch. On May 28, 1962, it became the first racing coaster to ever run trains backwards on one of its tracks.
Highly rated among riders of all ages for its classic ride experience, The Racer remains an integral part of Kings Island's outstanding collection of roller coasters
Presented by American Coaster Enthusiasts during ACE's 30th annual convention -- Coaster Con XXX
Erected 2007 by American Coaster Enthusiasts.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is April 29, 1972.
Location. 39° 20.64′ N, 84° 15.908′ W. Marker is near Maineville, Ohio, in Warren County. It is in Deerfield Township. Marker can be reached from Kings Island Drive north of Western Row Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Maineville OH 45039, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1992 - 1996 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1997 - 2001 (about 300 feet away); 1982 - 1986 (about 300 feet away); 2008 (about 300 feet away); 2009 (about 300 feet away); 2007 (about 300 feet away); 2006 (about 300 feet away); 2005 (about 300 feet away).
Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 33 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 3, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.