Roller-coaster fans, get ready to ride a few hours west.
Carowinds announced today that it will add a $23 million ride next season named after NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt that will be “the Southeast's tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster.”
At 23 stories high at its tallest peak, “The Intimidator” will be Carowinds' tallest ride, The Charlotte Observer reported. It will have seven steep drops – one for each of Earnhardt's NASCAR championships – and travel at a maximum speed of 75 mph.
Carowinds says it will last more than three minutes and have the “intensity of a fast-paced NASCAR race.”
The amusement park, located about 15 minutes south of Charlotte, is adding attractions to lure visitors during the economic downturn.
Assistant Business Editor Alan M. Wolf joined the N&O in 1999 covering the business of health care. He became an editor in 2001, and helps oversee the paper's daily business coverage and Sunday Work&Money section. He lives in Clayton with his wife and two children. Reach him at 919-829-4572 or 
