Carowinds Renames Intimidator to Thunder Striker

Carowinds has renamed one of its most popular attractions. Thunder Striker is the new name for the Intimidator, which used Dale Earnhardt theming since its debut in 2009. The new coaster is featured in the Carowinds park map in a newly named land called Thunder Road.

Carowinds park map as of February 28, 2024 (Credit: Carowinds, direct link to park map)

Along with the rebrand, Carowinds has created a new backstory for the coaster.

Thunder Striker was built in the back of Earl's Garage on Thunder Road. Master mechanics stripped down the old jalopy and scrounged up parts to create a souped-up engine that's optimized for pure speed.

Now Thunder Striker is the champion of the dirt road racers. The fastest, meanest hot rod in two states. Lucky visitors to Earl's might get to hop in the sleek, black-bodied roadster with signature lightning bolts painted on the hood. They'll surely get the ride of a lifetime—a high-fuel, high-thrill spin through the Carolinas.

Thunder Striker logo (Credit: Carowinds)

According to Carowinds and a post on Coaster101.com, the collaboration for the theming and naming of the roller coaster between Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) and Carowinds ended on December 31, 2023.

Kings Dominion has also renamed its Intimidator 305 coaster to Project 305. More details are forthcoming.