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By Rachel

April 17, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

How sad. I don’t mind them changing the names of the rides because the ride is still the same. But changing the dynamic of a unique rollercoaster, a landmark even, is preposterous and disappointing. I’ll never forget the 1st time riding the Backwards Racer, I rode it 5 times that day. The backwards cars give it a unique feeling, G forces don’t feel the same in forward cars. If you’ve ever ridden this coaster, you’ve noticed that hardly anyone even rides in the forward cars. Sad.

By samii

April 13, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

theyre just doing this because thier precious gemini goes forward!

By David

April 9, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

I hate Cedar Fair. The Racer is now ruined because of them. Thanks a lot. We need to start a petition to make them turn it back around. I guarantee you that The Racer will not ever have the same attendance because of this. PUT THE BACKWARDS TRAIN BACK ON!!!

By David

April 9, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

I hate Cedar Fair. The Racer is now ruined because of them. Thanks a lot. We need to start a petition to make them turn it back around. I guarantee you that The Racer will not ever have the same attendance because of this. PUT THE BACKWARDS TRAIN BACK ON!!!

By Doug Weeks

April 8, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

I’m 46 and remember when KI first opened. Of course The Racer ran both cars in the forward position back then. It kind of bummed me out when they changed that and began running one backwards. I can’t say that I’m disappointed in them changing it back to the way it is supposed to be.

By Doug Weeks

April 8, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

I’m 46 and remember when KI first opened. Of course The Racer ran both cars in the forward position back then. It kind of bummed me out when they changed that and began running one backwards. I can’t say that I’m disappointed in them “changing” it back to the way it is supposed to be.

By Annette

April 8, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

I say boycott the racers until they turn it back.

By Natalia

April 6, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

I am so upset about the racer being changed. I can’t believe they messed up such a good thing. I always thought being different from the other parks was a good thing because you had something more to offer. So why are they trying to make it just like every other ride. This is my second year working at the racers and i just dont see the point to this change. The ride isnt going anywhere since it just became a historical landmark last year and it just upsets me that they are trying to ruin my ride

By Matt

April 6, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

BAD decision by Cedar Fair. They are getting rid of a unique ride on purpose? Why do they want to change the Racer into just another wooden coaster. Hopefully they’ll wise up and change this back!

By Emerald Clark

April 6, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

The Roller Coaster Enthusiast have given it a Landmark award, so it will not be going any time soon. King’s Island is very special for me. My mom has been taking me there since I was under a year old, and I am now 20. I buy a pass every year, except the two years I worked there. In my opinion, turning The Racer around was a very bad move. I go to King’s Island at least 15 times a summer. Usually way more, and I love the backward Racer for so many reasons. I know I can’t change it, so farewell.

By K Newport

April 6, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

MY DAUGHTERS AND I ARE PLANNING A VISIT TO THE WARREN COUNTY AREA THIS SUMMER AND I AM PLANNING TO TAKE MY YOUNGEST TO EXPERIENCE KINGS ISLAND FOR THE FIRST TIME, TOO BAD IT WON’T BE LIKE IT WAS WHEN I WORKED THERE RIGHT THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL. PLEASE LEAVE IT THE WAY IT HAS BEEN GIVING JOY FOR THE LAST 26 YEARS. THE RACER IS MEANT TO BE 1 - FORWARD AND 1 - BACKWARDS. IF IT AIN’T BROKE DON’T TRY AND CHANGE IT !!!

By Greg

April 5, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Yeah it sucks. But face it, backwards was not a big draw. I cannot remember the last time I had to wait in line for the racer.

I think we should face the facts that the Racer’s time is done and needs to be replaced. I mean come on, it was on the Brady Bunch!!!

By Megan

April 5, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Adding on to what I said earlier, this just makes the Racer just a plain rollercoaster now. I don’t know of any other rollercoaster that went backwards. This sucks majorly. I’m even going to miss biting my tounge every time I went backwards on it. =(

By Megan

April 5, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

How could they end the backard Racer?! It was so much fun! You would never know what was going to happen going backwards! Forwards you always know whats happing! I wish they would put it back in sometime!

By Tony

April 4, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

I used to get such a thrill riding the last car in the backwards racer. I almost felt like I would fly out of the seat, but that didn’t really bother me. I will miss it.

By Tracy

April 4, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

I just can’t believe that they would mess with a good thing. I can’t remember both Racers going forward. Please do not change the Blue racer. My children haven’t had the pleasure of riding a coaster backwards yet. They may never get the chance now. This royally stinks.

By Observer

April 4, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

Dear maybe you’re the problem,

Personal attacks and politics are uncalled for and immature. I shouldn’t even be dignifying you with a response. Get over yourself. Things change - that’s how the world works.

I too will miss riding the Racer backwards, but I will still attend Kings Island this summer. I personally look forward to a new experience.

By Frylock

April 4, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Dominion is also a Cedar Fair park now, just like KI. Anyway, it’s sad they have to take every last bit of charm out of Kings Island to turn it into every other crappy park in their chain. It’s a once-a-year visit for me anymore since the takeover.

By Bryan

April 4, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

What next? Removing the Eiffel Tower? And….Kings Dominion is owned by an entirely different company now.

By kim p

April 4, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

I have been going to Kings Island for a very long time at least 28 years. I vaguely remember that the both tracks originally ran forward. Remember the episode of The Brady Bunch? Anyway, I’ve gotten acustomed to one track going backwards now and couldn’t imagine changing it- please leave it be. Sometimes change is just change not better!

By Jethro

April 4, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Kings Island has a roller coaster that goes backwards? What’s up with that?

By Kenny Ricky Bobby Jefferson Davis Moonpie Ott

April 4, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

What?! King’s Island is flippin’ ‘round the blue racers? That’s like askin’ Jimmie Johnson to enter a race on a tricycle! Or walking out of Chipotle without hot sauce all over your shirt. Or telling Daisy Duke to wear a trench coat and a pair of long pants. It’s just not done, son! I may be a lifelong Cedar Point fan, but I’m a rollercoaster enthusiast first and foremost. So, Cedar Fair, clear out the wax in your ears and listen—leave the Racers alone!

By Josh

April 4, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

This is stupid. The racer going forward on both tracks just makes it another wooden roller coaster. Wow.

If Kings Island ever wishes to actually compete with Cedar Point you’d figure they would go for originality or something like that. The backwards racer was the reason I go to Kings Island once a year. Looks like it’s Cedar Point twice a year for me now.

By CE

April 4, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

How sad I’ll miss it! it was much more exciting going backward, and i have been to ride the Gemini and it sucks going the same direction

By GAIL

April 4, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe that they are doing that. that was the best part of the racer. Bable to ride one side forward and then the other side backwards. Why in the world did they ever come up with the idea to change this just becasue of the other parks. what a bummer in a half. they have the wrong idea here and need to change it back. there was never no problems so why change a good thing now………..please don’t do this………..this is dumb…….but it back the way it was orginally.

By Katy

April 4, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

What a bummer, I always loved riding both when I was young, it’s a shame!

By DC

April 4, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

It won’t bother me because I get sick going backward!

By Erica

April 4, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

This is such a shame. It always digs a bit to see something from childhood disappear. :( I’ll miss the backwards Racer!

As for the other posts - I’m not sure what this has to do with liberals v. conservatives?

By Sam

April 4, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

This has been known since March 6th via rec.roller-coaster

It’s not just Kings Island, the former Paramount trio of racers, Rebel Yell, Thunder Road and Racer will no longer feature backwards running trains on one side. Speculation is this is being done to lower operating costs, as on slow days there will be no reason to operate both tracks anymore as they will both now offer a similar ride experience. CP has traditionally only run one track on Gemini during slow periods as well.

By amy

April 4, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

I been going to KI for over 25 years and riding the backwards racer was my highlight of our Kings Island trip! We never left KI before riding the racer backwards!!! why do they want all their parks to be “consistance” ? How about something different at each park….ever thought of that? Well, this is what I think of the change….BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. I will miss the backwards racer very much! Thanks Rollerdoaster lover!

By Biff

April 4, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

What a shame!!

By Amanda

April 4, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

wow..that really sucks…riding the racers backwards was the only way that i would ride the ride. It is such a shame that they are taking it away!

By Martha

April 4, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

If this is for consistancy reasons how come the Reble Yell in Virginia still goes backwards? This just don’t make sence to turn around one coster that has always been running backwards. I will miss the backward coster maybe it’s because i’m a backwards girl but all the same i think it’s a shame to do this. With the higher prices these days i can’t afford to drive to the grocery store let alone to kings island for a day so i probly wont be able to go anyway this year.

By SPENSER

April 4, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT THE RACER WILL NOT BE GOING FORWARDS AND BACKWARDS THIS YEAR, GOING BACKWARDS WAS THE BEST THING, I RODE THE RACER BACKWARDS ONE TIME AND I LOVED IT AND I DID IT OVER AND OVER, THE PEOPLE THAT MADE THIS DECISION SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES, KING’S ISLAND NEEDS TO BE DIFFERENT FROM ALL THE OTHER PARKS, I HATE KINGS ISLAND NOW!!!!!!!! THEY SHOULD RETHINK THIS

By Julie

April 4, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

This is a BAD IDEA! We love this coaster and going backwards was the best part. This STINKS!

By AMEN warrix1@aol.com

April 4, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

The funny thing about this… is that people out here along with PKI think this is a good move, something that everyone wanted. Get a clue!

By Maw

April 4, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

I cant belive this… The backwards racer is one of the best coasters !! Why does it need to be like Cedar Point ??? IT SUCKS my Family has had a season pass for the last 5 yrs I will not be getting them this year !!!

By Wolverine

April 4, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

So, this is what Cedar Fair is doing… Step 1 in removing the fun is taking away the best part of the Racer. Going forward was great when it was the biggest ride in the park. Backward is awesome. Kinda makes you wonder if they will eventually shut down KI so everyone goes to Sandusky? Just a thought.

By Observer

April 4, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

The Racer was originally designed by legendary coaster designer John Allen to RACE both sides forward. It operated that way for many years. I am glad to see the park respect the history it has. Sometimes it is nice to have a change. If this decision is going to affect your decision to attend the park this summer, then you have a problem.

By DirtyJ

April 4, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

This is exactly what happens when the liberals in Centerville and Mason get their hands on an otherwise conservative roller coaster.

By Boycott Kings island

April 4, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

This sucks!

By Sherry

April 4, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

I’m going to have to agree with Hillary, it was always fun going backwards and then forwards! That sux they are doing that!

By KI Enthusiast

April 4, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Regarding post by “Caine”: Doesn’t anyone else thinks it’s hilarious that due to consistency across all the Cedar Fair parks that Rebel Yell at Kings Dominion will probably also be going forwards? For what it’s worth…I will also miss the backwards ride.

By Tina

April 4, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Who Cares????

By S

April 4, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Angela….this is not new news.

Cedar Point is no more classier than PKI has been.

By Hillary

April 4, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

That’s terrible. Who wants to go to the same park all across the state? Not I. I’ll miss the backwards racer. It was the first big coaster I ever rode. That takes all the fun out of going backwards and then running around to get in the opposite line and go forwards!

By Andrew H

April 4, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

As a kid i was terrified of the backwards racer but i overcame that fear eventually and really enjoyed it more than the frontwards racer. They make these changes for the good of the park and they know how to do things obviously look at cedar point! I cannot wait to see what kind of changes in the positive direction they bring to the place!

By Jim 5

April 4, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

What?! Why would they do this? DDN, don’t listen to any of the “critics” on this board who claim that this is not hard news. This is exactly why we need a local paper. Good work.

By Angelal

April 4, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

Hurray! I’m thrilled that Cedar Fair purchased KI and will be adding some class to the place. I’m looking forward to many upgrades and changes to make it a nice, clean family park again. As for those bummmed about the backwards thing - get over it and look forward to some “real” coasters in the future. The hallmark of Cedar Fair.

By Ex Ohioan

April 4, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

This is sad news.

By DDN YOU SUCK!

April 4, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

How is this news worthy? Get a clue DDN. Why not have a comment blog for the 1500 people fighting for their spot in line at the Conv. Center./Dayton Hud Housing Apps. session this morning. That we we can talk about all the thugs like Chris Henry who are waiting in line.

By Dave

April 4, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

That’s a shame. The backward ride was part of the fun and, for somebody with aging bones, it’s actually a little smoother. I could see if it were for safety reasons, but come on —- consistency??? Where’s their sense of adventure? Why not turn around one of the trains in their other parks instead?

It won’t stop us from going this year, but it will take away some of the fun.

By Caine

April 4, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Damn I’m gonna miss the backwards Racer. Wait a minute, no I’m not. I live in Virginia now, the “Racer” at Kings Dominion here (Which is also King’s Island) is called the Rebel Yell and this one still goes backwards. HA HA HA!

By ubinhad

April 4, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

I will miss the backwards ride on the Racer….it was a blast! Why does Kings Island need to be like the other parks?? What happened to individuality…..it seems to be lost in this era of the cookie cutter mentality!

By Just Me

April 4, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Is King’s Island going to raise the price of their tickets to fund the cost of turning the rollercoaster cars forward?