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Ride Construction: Hendrick Construction to Build Carowinds Thrill Ride

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Hendrick Construction, Inc. was awarded a contract to build the newest roller coaster at Carowinds – a 23-story thrill ride that will be the tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster in the Southeast.

The NASCAR-themed Intimidator(TM) – named for the late Dale Earnhardt – will feature a 5, 316-foot track with a 232-foot peak and multiple drops and twists that will reach speeds exceeding 75 mph.

"We are thrilled to be selected to build the newest roller coaster at Carowinds, " said Roger Hendrick, president of Hendrick Construction. "This will be a landmark project that will rival the best roller coasters in the county."

Hendrick Construction will perform site work, construct the track’s foundations, install control systems and provide the site amenities, which include a NASCAR-themed waiting area and queue line. The Intimidator will also feature a plaza with black and white checkered pavers, a Victory Lane and a tunnel for guests to pass through.

The ride’s foundations will be supported by 241 caissons drilled 10-12 feet deep. The foundations will require 240, 000 pounds of rebar and 375, 000 pounds of concrete. The ride is scheduled to open in spring 2010.

"Carowinds is pleased with the relationship we have forged with Hendrick, and we are excited to continue working with them for our 2010 project, the Intimidator, " stated Bart Kinzel, vice president and general manager of Carowinds.

Carowinds is owned at operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FUN." In addition to Carowinds, Cedar Fair owns and operates 10 other amusement parks, six water parks, one indoor water park resort, and five hotels. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, Calif., under a management contract.

Hendrick Construction, Inc. is a Charlotte, N.C.-based general contractor that provides commercial construction services throughout the Southeast. The company’s portfolio includes facilities for corporate headquarters, manufacturing, industrial, health care and bio-tech companies, as well as schools, government buildings, churches and restaurants. Visit www.hendrickconstruction.com.

Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Richard Childress Racing trademarks, trade dress, names, likenesses and copyrights are used under the authorization of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Richard Childress Racing (C) 2009 Dale Earnhardt, Inc. & Richard Childress Racing. 

See also:
Amusement Parks: Carowinds to Add Record-Breaking $23 Million Roller Coaster for 2010 
Amusement Parks: Carowinds Welcomes New General Manager

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