DOSWELL—Kings Dominion today announced that it will have what it calls "the biggest, baddest and meanest" roller coaster in its history ready for the 2010 season.

Intimidator 305, which takes its name from NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, along with the height of its highest hill, will be the second Giga-coaster ever built in North America, and the tallest and fastest of its type on the East Coast.

The ride begins up a lift hill that stands 305 feet at its highest point, drops 300 feet at an 85 degree angle and thunders along a bright red track at speeds of more than 90 miles per hour. The total trip along the nearly mile-long track will take 3 minutes.

“Intimidator 305 will break records as the single largest capital investment in the history of Kings Dominion,” said Pat Jones, Kings Dominion’s vice president and general manager. “The numbers speak for themselves, at a cost of $25 million, a lift hill and first drop close to the height of the park’s landmark Eiffel Tower; you have to see it to believe it.”

Construction on Intimidator 305 began yesterday in the theme park’s Congo section. It will be Kings Dominion’s 15th roller coaster when completed in time for the theme park’s 2010 opening in April.

For a preview of what the ride will be like, go to intimidator305.com.

Cathy Jett: 540/374-5407
cjett@freelancestar.com