| Press Release: | Richmond, VA. (August 1, 2001) – Paramount's Kings Dominion proudly announces the addition of the twelfth roller coaster in it's unique collection of coaster experiences --dubbed "The Daring Dozen." Construction has already begun on Ricochet™ -- a unique, fast track roller coaster packed with tight hairpin turns, abrupt twists, breathtaking bumps, insane turn-arounds and a fantastic 50-foot drop.
Ricochet™ was designed by Mack & Company from Germany. The ride is an exceptional coaster experience designed to provide every rider with the feeling of sitting in the front car as each four-seat vehicle takes thrill seekers on a wild three-minute adventure.
Fast track coasters got their start in the 1950's as "Wild Mouse" coasters and have evolved into today's modern mechanical marvels. The basic premise of the "Wild Mouse" remains -- compact coaster design with single cars careening high above through tight turns and abrupt drops. What makes this fast track coaster different from others is the custom-designed 50-foot drop. The drop is twice as high as on other "Wild Mouse" coaster designs and means more speed and bigger thrills for Ricochet™ riders.
"Our coaster collection is unmatched and with the biggest variety of coaster experiences anywhere there's something for everybody! Paramount's Kings Dominion is every coaster enthusiast's number one destination in the east!," boasts Executive Vice President and General Manager Richard Zimmerman. "Paramount Parks got a great response to this ride when we installed it at Canada's Wonderland and we think our guests will love it as part of the PKD coaster collection!"
Heinrich Mack GMBH & Company from Waldkirch, Germany is recognized worldwide as a leader in roller coaster design. Mack was founded by Mr. Paul Mack in 1780 and began manufacturing amusement rides in 1920. Mack & Company also designed and built Kings Dominion's unique bobsled-style coaster, Avalanche in 1988.
Ricochet™ will highlight Kings Dominion's "Daring Dozen" roller coaster collection beginning in the Spring of 2002. Other exciting 2002 additions include a new motion simulator film "Meteor Attack" added to the Action FX Theatre, Dora the Explorer™ and Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius™ costume characters from Nickelodeon, the #1 cable network for kids, all new live shows and Triple Spin, a twirling, fast-moving circular ride with satellite cars that spin counterclockwise as the ride rotates in the opposite direction.
For more information visit the park's Web site at www.KingsDominion.com.
COMPANY PROFILE
Paramount's Kings Dominion is owned and operated by Paramount Parks.
Paramount Parks, a unit of Viacom Inc., is a leading developer and operator of regional theme parks and location-based entertainment attractions. The company currently manages: Paramount's Kings Island (Cincinnati, Ohio); Paramount's Kings Dominion (Richmond, Va.); Paramount's Great America (Santa Clara, Calif.); Paramount's Carowinds (Charlotte, N.C.); Paramount Canada's Wonderland (Toronto, Ontario, Canada); and Star Trek: The Experience™ at the Las Vegas Hilton (Las Vegas, Nev.).
Viacom is the No. 1 vehicle in the world for advertisers, with preeminent positions in broadcast and cable television, radio, outdoor advertising and online. With programming that appeals to audiences in every demographic category across virtually all media, the company is a leader in the creation, promotion and distribution of entertainment, news, sports, and music. Viacom's well-known brands include CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, Paramount Pictures, Infinity, UPN, TNN, CMT, Showtime, Blockbuster, and Simon & Schuster. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at http://www.viacom.com. |
