Pantherian, Steel roller coaster at Kings Dominion, Virginia
Pantherian is a steel roller coaster at Kings Dominion in Virginia that rises 93 meters (305 feet) above the park and reaches speeds of 116 kilometers per hour (72 miles per hour). The track winds through steep curves and drops that press riders into their seats throughout the journey.
Swiss manufacturer Intamin built this roller coaster in 2010 as one of the fastest and tallest of its kind in North America. The installation marked a turning point in high-speed coaster design with extreme banking angles.
This attraction honors NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, whose reputation as The Intimidator earned him a devoted following. Visitors often spot racing memorabilia and checkered flag designs near the entrance queue.
Riders must be at least 137 centimeters (54 inches) tall and store all loose items in lockers before boarding. Wait times tend to be shorter on weekdays compared to weekends and holidays.
The first turns after the drop generate forces that push riders sideways so hard that many briefly lose sense of up and down. Engineers had to adjust the layout slightly after opening to reduce stress on the body.
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