PW Sept 09 P8-9:PW Sept 09 P8-9.qxd 26/08/2009 12:40 Page 8
Park News
www.parkworld-online.com
ParkHoppin’
RING°WERK
by Paul Ruben
Theme park opens at Nürburgring
Farewell Free Beer
Located alongside the Nürburgring racetrack in Nürburg, Germany,
Ring°Werk is a new and eagerly awaited theme park based around
Ever since it had been announced last year, I had been looking
the legend of motor racing. The 15,000 square-metre facility lets
forward to experiencing Manta, the new B&M flying coaster at
every guest feel like a racing driver for the day as they enjoy a variety
SeaWorld Orlando. Not just for the ride, but for the theming.
of multimedia attractions, exhibitions and the record-breaking
SeaWorld does a spectacular job with its theming. The last time it
Ring°Racer.
introduced a new coaster was in 2000, and its theming was
Built by S&S Worldwide using its patented pneumatic launch system,
outstanding too. That was a B&M floorless coaster called Kraken,
Ring°Racer is a new, knock-your-socks-off 135mph rollercoaster
named after either a mythological sea monster or something one
expected to draw many extra visitors to the renowned Formula 1
smokes in a pipe; I forget which.
racetrack.
Manta had been contracted for several years ago, before the
“The Nürburgring wanted to offer its guests the opportunity to enjoy
recent economic downturn and before the sale of Busch
the same kind of high speed and adrenalin rush that the F1 drivers
Entertainment to InBev. With the budget in place, SeaWorld spared
themselves experience,” explains Kevin Rohwer, S&S’ vice-president of
no expense to make Manta a memorable experience. In this
sales.
troubled economy I see Manta as a ray of hope. Unfortunately,
Located parallel to the real racetrack, Ring°Racer accelerates to
InBev saved money by eliminating the free beer formerly offered in
135mph (217km/h) in 2.5 seconds. Passengers then enjoy an exciting
the park, so I'm conflicted. Free beer does taste better.
ride through the “Boulevard” and ride a total distance of 3,976ft
Manta's first "wow" moment occurs even before climbing on
before returning to the station in about 85 seconds.
board the ride. The attraction includes 10 aquariums. One
The coaster features two eight-passenger vehicles and launches at a
aquarium contained a fish with no eyes. It's called a "fsh."
maximum G-force of 4.5 with a maximum vertical acceleration G-force
Overhead, supported by a huge slab of clear acrylic, is a pool of
of -1. The braking system utilises linear magnetic brakes with magnets
manta rays. Have you ever viewed manta rays from below? Awe
attached to each vehicle and conductive metal fins mounted
inspiring.
throughout the track.
With my thrill moment at hand, I climbed aboard Manta. The
S&S was selected for the project because of its experience with air-
park had thoughtfully placed a camera pointed towards me so as I
launched amusement rides, over 150 of which are now operating
rode it snapped photos and even they attached a microphone for a
across the world, ranging from drop towers to launch coasters.
video. Does it look like I'm enjoying the ride?
Also featured at Ring°Werk are a 4D cinema, dark ride (see page
Because of the threatening weather and occasional downpours,
35), historical exhibition chronicling eight decades of motor racing,
the park offered me a vinyl poncho. But real men don't wear
multimedia theatre, promotional bus tour, big truck driving experience,
ponchos. If you're going to fly like a manta you need to feel like a
interactive exhibits, retail and dining opportunities.
manta. That is, wet. Wet is good; wet rails make the train roll
Responsible for much of the theming throughout the park was the
faster.
Dutch company P&P Projects. “The park features a mix of historical
On a flying coaster one rides face down in a prone position,
material and original theming,” explains the company’s Philipp van
thereby taking the G-forces on your stomach, not in the seat of
Stratum. “We made replicas of F1 cars, pit lanes and trucks, which
your pants. With four inversions there were some heavy Gs. It's not
was good fun. All these are great themes for racing enthusiasts.”
my favourite style of coaster, but it is a worthwhile change of pace.
A full report on Ring°Werk and Ring°Racer will follow soon in Park World.
Manta's ride is excellent, punctuated by a wing dip near the end, a
www.ring-werk.com
low swoop over the lagoon
that sends up a wave of
water.
If memory serves me, this
is the same lagoon that was
previously home to the
park's flock of pink
flamingos. You know, those
plastic lawn ornaments that
dot suburbia, but these were
real. They've been moved
across the midway where
they can watch Manta if they
wish. Or pose as lawn
ornaments.
Before I departed one of
the park's representatives
invited me to lunch. Manta
ray was not on the menu, but dead fish was. And chips. To wash it
all down, an adult beverage, too. It may have been the world's last
free beer. Oh, was it good!
Ring°Racer
8 SEPTEMBER 2009
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