Hendrick Construction Finishes Carowinds Roller Coaster

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Hendrick Construction, Inc. conquered the twists and turns of Carowinds' newest ride that will thrill adventure seekers this summer. The general contractor has completed the NASCAR-themed Intimidator – the tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster in the Southeast.

The ride is named for NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt and features a 5,316-foot track with a 232-foot peak and multiple drops and twists that reach speeds exceeding 75 mph. Hendrick Construction installed the infrastructure, including the control, electrical and piping systems, as well as the track's foundations, which are supported by 241 caissons with 240,000 pounds of rebar and 375,000 pounds of concrete.

"The Intimidator has changed the landscape for roller coasters in the Southeast, and it will certainly draw visitors from across the region to Carowinds," said Roger Hendrick, president of Hendrick Construction.

Hendrick also built the NASCAR-themed amenities, including the waiting area and queue line, as well as a plaza with checkered-flag pavers and a tunnel for guests to pass through.

"Intimidator has been one of the most anticipated new roller coasters in the world for 2010 – and for good reason," said Carowinds spokesman Don Helbig. "It has all the elements that make for a great ride – height, speed, incredible airtime and terrific theming. Hendrick Construction was outstanding to work with on this project." 

Hendrick Construction also built Carowinds' Carolina Cobra, which opened in 2009.

Carowinds is owned and 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, entertainment venues 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 © 2009 Dale Earnhardt, Inc. & Richard Childress Racing.

SOURCE Hendrick Construction, Inc.