Coaster fans can now take a virtual ride on Iron Gwazi, the record-setting hybrid coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay that will open in 2021.
The latest project from Rocky Mountain Construction uses portions of the structure remaining from the dueling wooden coaster Gwazi, which closed in 2015. Iron Gwazi features 4,075 feet of track, along a 91-degree drop and a top speed of 76 miles per hour, making it the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world. At 206 feet, it will also claim the title of tallest hybrid coaster in North America from its RMC cousin Steel Vengeance at Cedar Point.
According to USA Today, the coaster will also feature 12 airtime moments, three inversions, including a prolonged stall element.
“People will get excited when they see it,” Andrew Schaffer, director of design and engineering at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, said about the stall to USA Today, then clarifying, it’ll be a little terrifying to see.”
The ride began testing in early March just before the nationwide shutdown of theme parks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like other SeaWorld Entertainment additions scheduled for 2020, Iron Gwazi’s opening has now been delayed until 2021.
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