Derby Racer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Derby Racer (1911) |
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Derby Racer in 1920
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| Revere Beach | |
| Location | Revere Beach |
| Coordinates | 42°25′12″N 70°59′10″W / 42.420°N 70.986°W |
| Status | Removed |
| Opening date | 1911 |
| Closing date | 1936 |
| Cost | $140,000 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Wood – Racing |
| Manufacturer | Fred W. Pearce |
| Track layout | Figure Eight |
| Inversions | 0 |
| Derby Racer (1911) at RCDB | |
The Derby Racer was the name of two exciting wooden roller coasters. They both operated at Revere Beach in Revere, Massachusetts. The first Derby Racer was built in 1911 and ran until 1936. The second coaster, also called Derby Racer, was built in 1937 and closed in 1948.
Both coasters were racing roller coasters. This means they had two tracks side-by-side. Two coaster trains could race each other at the same time. It was a fun way to add competition to the ride!
The 1911 Derby Racer
The first Derby Racer roller coaster at Revere Beach opened in 1911. It was built by Fred W. Pearce and cost about $140,000. This was a lot of money back then!
Racing coasters like the Derby Racer were very popular. Many of them were built in the early 1900s. The Derby Racer's two tracks were laid out in a special figure 8 shape. This made the race even more exciting.
Years later, Fred W. Pearce said that the 1911 Derby Racer was the second-largest roller coaster ever built when it first opened. The owners of the Derby Racer were Lewis Bopp and Lewis Trask. They also owned a restaurant and other fun attractions at Revere Beach.
The 1937 Derby Racer
| Derby Racer (1937) | |
|---|---|
| Revere Beach | |
| Location | Revere Beach |
| Coordinates | 42°25′12″N 70°59′10″W / 42.420°N 70.986°W |
| Status | Removed |
| Opening date | 1937 |
| Closing date | 1948 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Wood – Racing |
| Manufacturer | H. A. Bauscher |
| Designer | Harry C. Baker |
| Inversions | 0 |
| Derby Racer (1937) at RCDB | |
After the first Derby Racer was taken down in 1936, a brand new racing roller coaster was built. It opened in 1937 and was given the same name: Derby Racer. This second coaster was built by H. A. Bauscher. It was designed by a well-known roller coaster designer named Harry C. Baker. This coaster ran for 11 years before it was taken down in 1948.
