Speed – The Ride facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Speed – The Ride |
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| Akita Plaza | |
| Coordinates | 36°05′35″N 115°10′18″W / 36.093031°N 115.171732°W |
| Status | Removed |
| Sahara Hotel and Casino | |
| Park section | Nascar Café |
| Coordinates | 36°08′36″N 115°09′25″W / 36.14333°N 115.15694°W |
| Status | Closed |
| Opening date | April 28, 2000 |
| Closing date | May 1, 2011 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel – Launched – Shuttle |
| Manufacturer | Premier Rides |
| Designer | Werner Stengel |
| Height | 224 ft (68 m) |
| Length | 1,365 ft (416 m) |
| Speed | 70 mph (110 km/h) |
| Inversions | 1 (transversed twice) |
| Duration | 0:45 |
| Max vertical angle | 90° |
| Capacity | 1600 riders per hour |
| Acceleration | 0 to 45 to 70mph |
| G-force | 3.5 |
| Height restriction | 54 in (137 cm) |
| Speed – The Ride at RCDB | |
Speed – The Ride was an exciting roller coaster that once thrilled visitors on the famous Las Vegas Strip. It was known for its incredible speed and unique design. This coaster operated from April 28, 2000, until May 1, 2011. Currently, the ride is stored at Akita Plaza, waiting for a possible new home.
Contents
The Story of Speed – The Ride
Life at NASCAR Café (2000–2012)
Speed – The Ride first opened as part of a big update to the Sahara Hotel and Casino in 1999. It was a main attraction at the NASCAR Café, a popular spot for racing fans.
The ride was a big hit, but it did have some breaks. In August 2008, it closed down for a while. It reopened in February 2009, bringing back its fast-paced fun. However, the coaster closed for good in May 2011 when the Sahara Hotel itself shut down. Workers began taking the ride apart in April 2012.
Future at Akita Plaza
After being taken apart, Speed – The Ride was moved to Akita Plaza. This is a shopping center located right across the street from Mandalay Bay. There were plans to rebuild the coaster there, along with new restaurants and a concert area.
However, as of 2014, the plans for Akita Plaza have not moved forward. So, Speed – The Ride is still waiting, stored in pieces at the site. Its future is uncertain, but many hope it will one day thrill riders again.
What Was the Ride Like?
Speed – The Ride offered a truly unique experience. It was a "shuttle coaster," meaning it traveled both forward and backward on the same track.
Starting the Adventure
The ride began inside the NASCAR Café. Riders were launched from a standstill to 45 mph (72 km/h) in just two seconds! The train then zoomed into an underground tunnel. After that, it went through a tall, 92-foot (28 m) vertical loop.
Reaching Top Speed
Right after the loop, the train got another boost. It sped up from 45 mph (72 km/h) to its top speed of 70 mph (110 km/h) in only three seconds! After a quick, winding turn, the train climbed a huge vertical tower.
The Backward Journey
Once at the top of the tower, the train didn't go over. Instead, it fell backward, running through the entire course in reverse! On the way back, the second launch area acted as a brake, slowing the train from 70 mph (110 km/h) to 45 mph (72 km/h). It then went backward through the vertical loop and the underground tunnel. Finally, the train returned to the station and came to a complete stop.
Speed – The Ride was known for being one of the tallest and longest shuttle coasters in the world. It was designed by Premier Rides and built by Intermountain Lift, Inc.
