Fury 325 – The Best Steel Coaster of the World
The Fury 325 roller coaster at Carowinds Amusement Park in Charlotte, N.C., recently bagged the title of the “Best Steel Coaster” in the world despite facing safety concerns earlier this summer.
Victory Despite Safety Scare
The award indicated by industry publication Amusement Today, was presented to Fury 325 for the seventh year in a row. This victory comes as a surprise given the safety scare which led to the roller coaster’s temporary shut down due to the discovery of a large fracture in one of its support columns.
“Tallest, Fastest, Longest, Giga Coaster in North America”
The roller coaster, titled by Carowinds as “the tallest, fastest, longest, giga coaster in North America,” was shut down in June following a video and photos captured by a visitor that revealed a large crack.
Diligent Inspection and Repair
Post inspection, Carowinds reported the presence of a fracture along a weld line in the steel column of the ride which was launched in 2015. Later, a second crack was also discovered on Fury 325 by the North Carolina Labor Department’s Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau. The park then collaborated with Bollinger & Mabillard Consulting Engineers, Inc., the ride’s manufacturer, to replace the damaged column. After 500 test runs, the roller coaster was reopened on August 10.
Enhanced Safety Measures
While the exact cause of the crack remains undisclosed, the park has taken measures to increase ride inspections and introduced drone cameras to inspect difficult-to-reach areas.
Fury 325 Adds Another Feather to Its Cap
Carowinds rejoiced the news of Fury 325, which achieves speeds of 95 miles per hour and drops 81 degrees from over 300-feet in the air, winning another Golden Ticket award. “The park takes immense pride in this recognition, and it serves as a testament to the incredible support from the amusement industry,” Carowinds responded on Monday.
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