Racer
Racer is a classic wooden coaster that gives developing riders their first taste of a full-size coaster: a taller lift hill, a real first drop, faster speeds, noticeable airtime, and the unmistakable movement of a traditional wooden track.
Park
Kings Island
CoasterSchool Level
Level 3
Confident Family / Step-Up
Type
Wooden Racing Coaster
Minimum Height
48 in.
Should You Ride Racer?
Racer is a great step up for riders who are comfortable on family coasters and are ready for something that feels like a traditional full-size roller coaster. It has no inversions or extreme elements, but its 88-foot lift hill, 53 mph speed, airtime hills, and wooden-coaster movement make it a noticeable increase in intensity.
Best For
Riders ready to experience a bigger first drop, stronger airtime, higher speeds, and a classic wooden coaster without going upside down.
Biggest Fear Factor
The first lift hill and drop are the biggest mental hurdle. At 88 feet, Racer looks and feels significantly larger than the beginner coasters that come before it on the CoasterSchool progression.
CoasterSchool Take
Racer is an excellent Level 3 coaster because it introduces many of the sensations riders will encounter on much larger coasters while keeping the layout simple and predictable. There are no inversions, launches, or extreme drops, just classic hills, airtime, speed, and wooden-coaster movement.
Quick Facts
Key stats and ride details for Racer at Kings Island.
Park
Kings Island
Location
Mason, Ohio
Manufacturer
Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters
Type
Wooden Racing Coaster
Opened
1972
Height
88 ft
Speed
53 mph
Length
3,415 ft per track
Inversions
0
Ride Duration
About 2 min.
Minimum Height
48 in.
CoasterSchool Level
Level 3
DID YOU KNOW?
Racer is considered one of the most important roller coasters in amusement park history. Its success after opening in 1972 helped spark a renewed interest in wooden coaster construction and what became known as the second golden age of roller coasters.
More Than 104 Million Rides
Racer has given more rides than any other attraction in Kings Island history. It also gained national attention when Kings Island and Racer appeared in the 1973 Brady Bunch episode “The Cincinnati Kids.”
What Racer Feels Like
Racer is where the coaster experience starts to feel noticeably bigger. Expect a traditional lift hill, a substantial first drop, repeated airtime hills, and the vibration and movement that come with a classic wooden coaster.
The Lift Hill
The slow climb to 88 feet gives you plenty of time to see how high you are getting. For a rider moving up from smaller family coasters, the lift hill may actually be more intimidating than anything that happens once the train begins moving.
The First Drop
The first drop is approximately 82 feet and sends the train toward its top speed of about 53 mph. It is large enough to create a real stomach-drop sensation without the extreme steepness found on modern thrill coasters.
Airtime Hills
Much of Racer’s out-and-back layout consists of traditional hills designed to repeatedly lift you slightly out of your seat. This is a great introduction to airtime because the moments are noticeable but generally brief and predictable.
The Wooden Coaster Feel
Racer moves and vibrates more than a modern steel coaster. You may feel the train shuffle or bounce slightly as it travels over the wooden track, but that movement is part of the classic wooden coaster experience rather than a sign that anything is wrong.
COASTERSCHOOL RIDING TIPS
Tips for a Better Ride
Seat Choice
Where you sit can make a noticeable difference on a traditional wooden coaster.
- Front: Gives you the best view and generally makes the first drop feel more gradual as the train is pulled over the hill.
- Middle: A good choice for nervous riders who want a balanced experience without the stronger sensations that can come in the back.
Body & Restraint
Racer uses traditional lap-bar restraints, leaving your upper body much more open than rides with over-the-shoulder restraints.
- Sit back naturally and keep your feet planted while allowing the lap bar to hold you securely.
- Avoid deliberately bracing your entire body against every bump; relaxing usually makes wooden coaster movement feel more comfortable.
During the Ride
Racer is built around hills and airtime rather than complicated elements.
- Expect several moments where you feel lighter as the train travels over the tops of hills.
- Look ahead instead of down during the first drop if height makes you nervous—the drop passes quickly once the train begins moving.
Watch the Racer Ride Preview
Watch Racer before you get in line to see the 88-foot lift hill, first drop, racing trains, and repeated airtime hills before experiencing them yourself.
Where Do You Go From Here?
Coaster progression isn’t a checklist. Choose the next ride based on what felt comfortable, or what still felt intimidating.
Not Ready for Racer Yet?
Snoopy's Soap Box Racers — Level 2
Build more confidence with moderate speed and coaster movement on a smaller family coaster before taking on Racer’s taller lift hill and bigger first drop.
Try Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers →
Ready for a Bigger Challenge?
Mystic Timbers — Level 4
Take the wooden coaster experience to the next level with faster pacing, stronger airtime, sharper direction changes, and a much more aggressive ride from beginning to end.
Explore Mystic Timbers →