originally posted on 9/30/2022 1:50:00 AM
All Photos: Josh Herrington. View full-sized image.
On September 10, 2022, 61 ACE members and their guests
braved a rainy Saturday at Carowinds (Charlotte, North Carolina) for the annual
ACE Southeast Carolina Coaster Classic. A full schedule of ERTs, informal
takeover times, behind-the-scenes tours, food and more would be put to the test
against Mother Nature in what would ultimately become the shortest ACE event in
the region’s history.
The morning started off with a drizzly behind-the-scenes
tour of Fury 325. Attendees were allowed access to the train
transfer/storage area for an under-the-hood look at what keeps Fury 325
rolling. The 30-minute tour was full of interesting commentary, as one would
expect from the knowledgeable maintenance staff at the park. Having a Fury
325 train parked overhead brought about a new challenge for attendees —
avoid hitting your head on the numerous wheel assemblies dangling at head height.
Yours truly was proudly the first one issued a decent size knot to the noggin
for failing to look up one time. Lesson learned!
View full-sized image.
Rain obscured the view of Intimidator.
View full-sized image.
Attendees enjoyed a tour of the maintenance area of Fury 325.
View full-sized image.
After the tour ended, a group photo was quickly taken and
ERT started … just as the heavens opened up. If anyone has ever wondered what
large rain drops feel like while riding the tallest and fastest giga coaster in
the world, just know that the result isn’t fit for printing! The shrieks of joy
combined with the screams of riders as thousands of stinging rain drops pelted
every body part not covered by a restraint are sounds more suited for
SCarowinds than an ERT session. But for those who endured, a new core memory
was created.
Fury 325.
View full-sized image.
After ERT ended, the park opened to very minimal crowds and
made the decision to close a mere two hours after opening. Attendees were still
able to enjoy the planned lunch that had been moved up several hours on the off
chance a park closure did occur. A lunch time trivia game produced several
winners who were able to take home their choice of goodies from the park,
including Grand Carnivale merchandise, media kits and an assortment of other
items. Everyone was free to leave the park when they finished their meal, with
most happy to have a reason to change into dry clothes!
All in all, a good time was had, even if it was a shorter
time than originally planned. Big thanks were given to the park for doing all
they could to ensure attendees were taken care of during the few chaotic hours
of opening and closing shortly thereafter. ACE Southeast looks forward to next
year when, hopefully, Mother Nature is more accommodating!
— Josh Herrington, ACE Southeast Regional Representative
#ACENews