When it comes to amusement parks, few places in the United States can boast a history as rich and thrilling as Kennywood in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. One of the crown jewels of this iconic park is the Racer roller coaster. This classic wooden coaster has been providing generations of thrill-seekers with heart-pounding excitement since its inception in 1927. 

One of only three operating single-track racing coasters (Mobius loop racing coasters) in the world and the last one operating in North America, the Racer will give its last rides of the 2023 season Saturday, Sept. 16, before it closes early for preservation work. 

Both of the 96-year-year-old coaster’s lift hills will be replaced and re-tracked by Kennywood’s in-house team of carpenters, totaling over 1,000 feet of lumber. The preservation work will begin this fall with the left lift hill this year with the right lift hill being re-tracked next year.

Kennywood plans to have the Racer ready for its 2024 opening day in the spring. 

The Racer has long been one of my favorite roller coasters, in part because it’s not just any roller coaster. In an age of high-tech thrills and cutting-edge attractions, the Racer stands as testament to the enduring appeal of classic wooden coasters; a time machine that transports you to a bygone era of amusement park fun. 

I rode the Racer several times during a visit to Kennywood earlier this month. I felt like I was part of the ride’s storied history while riding. Just a fantastic ride that gets better with age.

The Racer project, which comes on the heels of the Kangaroo’s return in 2022 and the Turtle’s ongoing preservation project for 2024, reaffirms Kennywood’s commitment to preserving the park’s past for future generations to enjoy. 

The TLC Kennywood puts into each of its attractions is great to see.