Maurer Rides, a leading designer and manufacturer of roller coasters and transport solutions, is celebrating the success of its SPIKE Racing concept, which has quickly progressed from an innovative prototype to a proven attraction technology, currently with eight installations either operational or under construction across three continents and five countries.
These projects demonstrate the system’s ability to adapt to diverse market conditions, guest demographics, and operational requirements while consistently maintaining high guest satisfaction and operational performance.
Each installation showcases a distinct use of SPIKE Racing technology, ranging from large-scale theme park rides to maritime racing experiences. The variety of projects—covering Europe, North America, and Asia, each with different climates and cultural backgrounds—demonstrates the concept’s broad appeal and strong commercial potential.
Sky Dragster – World’s First SPIKE Racing Coaster
The Sky Dragster at Allgäu Skyline Park is the world’s first SPIKE Racing setup and first rider-controlled roller coaster. It opened in spring 2017, marking the debut of a new interactive attraction category. This innovative project laid the foundation for rider-controlled coaster experiences, demonstrating that guests not only accepted but also eagerly embraced the opportunity to steer their ride.
Operating in a motorcycle seating position with throttle control and a boost button, Sky Dragster proved the core SPIKE Racing idea in real-world use. The 270-meter track includes acceleration straights, banked curves, helixes, and camelbacks, offering varied terrain for riders to navigate through skillful speed management and strategic use of the boost.
As a technology pioneer, Sky Dragster showcased essential operational principles that shaped all later installations. The success indicators from this initial setup – including high re-ride rates, favourable guest feedback, and dependable technical performance – laid the groundwork for SPIKE Racing’s international growth.
The German installation’s success in the competitive European market confirmed the technology’s commercial potential and solidified Maurer Rides’ reputation in developing and operating interactive coasters.
Desmo Race at Ducati World
Following the success of Sky Dragster, the next phase was Desmo Race at Mirabilandia in Italy (pictured, top): a competitive racing experience for multiple riders. Opened in 2019, this ride was the world’s first duelling interactive coaster, allowing guests to race side by side on parallel tracks while experiencing realistic Ducati motorcycle dynamics.
The Ducati World installation demonstrated that SPIKE Racing technology can handle high-capacity operations while preserving the personal, controlled experience that characterises the concept. Its dual-track setup doubled throughput capacity and introduced true competitive elements, enriching the interactive experience.
This successful partnership with Ducati demonstrated how SPIKE Racing enhances themed experiences, enabling riders to experience genuine motorcycle acceleration, braking, and cornering within a narrative environment that celebrates Italian motorsport heritage.
Bolt on Carnival cruise ships, with the world’s longest coaster at sea still to come
The maritime uses of SPIKE Racing technology are among the most demanding and innovative applications of the system. Four installations on major cruise lines showcase its ability to adapt to harsh conditions, including ship movement, salt air, high winds, and limited space.
The three Bolt installations on Carnival’s newest ships have positioned SPIKE Racing as a distinctive selling point in the competitive cruise industry. These features offer unique experiences that are not available on rival ships. The racing format is proving particularly engaging in the cruise setting, where guests have several days to enhance their performance and compete against other passengers.
The newest vessel’s Spike coaster will be the longest coaster at sea globally, showing SPIKE Racing’s ability to scale even within the limitations of ship-based environments. Its 303-meter track length is comparable to many land-based coasters, while it runs 55 meters above sea level.
The maritime success has unlocked new market opportunities for SPIKE Racing technology, offering proven engineering solutions to address the specific challenges of shipboard operations. These installations confirm the system’s durability and help cruise operators stand out by offering exclusive attractions.
Sea Stallion at Qiddiya City
The Sea Stallion installation at Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia represents SPIKE Racing’s adaptation to Middle Eastern market tastes and extreme climate conditions. Scheduled to open in 2025, it is the first Moebius layout to feature SPIKE technology.
This high-capacity family thrill coaster showcases the technology’s reliable operation in challenging environmental conditions, while providing theming that is culturally relevant and appeals to regional audiences. The Sea Stallion theme provides a natural storytelling backdrop for the racing components, enabling guests to enjoy the excitement of a competitive race enhanced by modern interactive technology.
The adjustable, interactive speed profile and family-friendly design broaden the range of appeal, while preserving the competitive features that characterise SPIKE racing experiences. Qiddiya’s choice of SPIKE Racing technology for its flagship entertainment venue confirms the concept’s attractiveness to major international developers and positions the system for future expansion across the Middle East.
Yet-to-be-announced project in China
The eighth SPIKE Racing installation, which is currently being built in China, will be the first indoor version. Although specific project details are still confidential, this installation demonstrates strong market validation from Chinese developers, who are among the most active participants in global attraction development.
Entering the Chinese market positions SPIKE Racing for quick growth across Asia, as interactive entertainment concepts are especially popular among younger audiences there.
Another indoor project underway shows how spike-powered coaster technology can maximise track length in compact spaces. It will also feature over 100 track crossings, setting new world records.
A ride concept with universal appeal
The eight SPIKE Racing installations showcase the technology’s broad success, demonstrating universal appeal across different regions, versatility across market segments, reliable performance in various climates, strong capacity to meet business needs, and high guest satisfaction, confirming its commercial viability.
The experience from these installations has provided valuable insights, demonstrating successful integration with theming to enhance brand engagement, adaptability to local markets, operational reliability, and scalability across various sizes.
These eight installations show that interactive coaster technology is a viable new attraction category. Their consistent performance across various markets, conditions, and guests proves its commercial potential.
Maurer Rides leads in interactive coaster technology with proven project delivery and support, making its expertise even more vital as operators recognise the importance of interactive attractions in competitive markets.
Earlier this year, Maurer Rides announced that it has received B Corp Certification, making it the first coaster manufacturer worldwide to achieve this recognition. This milestone highlights the company’s commitment to social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and sustainable business practices.
