Thunder Striker, formerly known as Intimidator, is a hypercoaster located at Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. Built by Bolliger & Mabillard and located in the Thunder Road section of the park, the ride opened to public on March 27, 2010. It features a 232 ft lift hill, a top speed of 75 mph, and a track length of 5316 ft.
The roller coaster was originally named after NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, who was nicknamed "the Intimidator." Following the expiring of a license agreement with Earnhardt's estate in December 2023, Cedar Fair renamed the coaster Thunder Striker for the 2024 season.
History
Construction on Intimidator began during the summer of 2009 with land clearing and footings being constructed.[1] Track pieces first began to arrive at Carowinds on August 7, 2009.[2] About three weeks later, on August 26, 2009, Carowinds officially announced Intimidator. Along with the announcement, Carowinds reached a licensing agreement with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. to use the late NASCAR racing legend Dale Earnhardt's brand as part of the ride.[3]