With just days before opening, maintenance crews at Carowinds are going over every inch of every coaster making sure they are in perfect condition.
Preparing to open for the season is no small task for the team, as each part, track, brake, and rail is inspected.
“It truly is a dream to come and work on roller coasters everyday,” said Shawn Hopkins, maintenance mechanical manager for Carowinds. “We do complete rebuilds during the winter season. The trains are completely disassembled.”
All of the parts are compared to the manufacturers' specifications, and if there’s a problem, it is corrected right away. Hopkins says it’s like having a brand new ride every year. Monday, the team was using a special inspection vehicle, slowly taking team members around Fury 325 for final checks.
“This is a rigorous process. We go through rigorous inspections,” said Carowinds spokesperson Laresa Thompson. “This is just one part of the inspection. What’s most important to Carowinds is the safety of our guests as well as our associates.”
The maintenance team feels a great deal of pride knowing their work to keep guests safe allows them to just focus on the important things-- like screaming their lungs out.
“It’s great to see people enjoying it as much as I did when I was young,” said Hopkins. “That's what it’s all about.”
Guests who purchase season passes are invited to a special opening Thursday evening with gates opening around 4:45 p.m. to 10 p.m. Season passes can be purchased on their website: www.carowinds.com.
The park opens for all on Friday, March 25. Carolina Harbor, the newly expanded waterpark, opens later in May.