Six Flags announces a ‘wicked’ storm is coming 2015

Date: 9/5/2014

AGAWAM – Just as the tears dried from bidding farewell to the Cyclone, Six Flags New England (SFNE) announced on Aug. 28 that the Wicked Cyclone would take its place in summer 2015.

The Wicked Cyclone will be a hybrid coaster that blends a state-of-the-art steel track with the wooden foundation of the Cyclone – the first coaster of its kind in New England.
   
The Cyclone was open for its last time on July 20. According to Jennifer McGrath, Communications manager for SFNE, construction of the new coaster began the day after the Cyclone retired.
   
“It’s a rebirth,” McGrath said. “We’re basically providing a brand new roller coaster. Wood from the Cyclone is very much involved.”
   
The Cyclone was a white wooden coaster constructed by William Cobb & Associates that consisted of 3,400 feet of track, sat 24 people and reached speeds of more than 50 mph, but there were only drops, twists and turns.
   
To compare, the Wicked Cyclone that is being constructed by Rocky Mountain Construction will also seat 24, consist of 3,320 feet of track and travel at 55 mph, but it will feature a 78-degree vertical drop, two zero gravity rolls, the world’s only double reversing bank airtime hill and multiple inversions throughout its 10-story track. All in 97 seconds.
   
McGrath explained that the project has been “several years in the making” and once open, the Wicked Cyclone will “spark” an influx of visitors, as coaster enthusiasts from California had already inquired about its opening upon the announcement of the ride.
   
“There’s no pause in action, no stalls. Riders will get more air time than any other coaster in New England,” she said.
   
SFNE decided to begin the construction this summer due to the unknown severity of the upcoming winter.
   
“It’s well over a six-month construction period. Since July 21, [the construction crew has been] dismantling and pulling in pieces,” McGrath stated, adding that there are only a couple roller coasters like the Wicked Cyclone “on the planet.”
   
She noted that the speed of 55 mph would be sustained throughout the ride and that the safety features will include a belt and lap bar.
   
The steel track enables more features than the wood and attracts a new generation of adrenaline seekers to the footprint of the famous Cyclone, according to McGrath.
   
“We want to lift you out of your seat,” McGrath said.