Coney Island’s legendary 87-year-old Cyclone roller coaster will keep thrillseekers screaming this summer with 950 feet of newly laid wooden tracks, the Daily News has learned.
The tracks, repaired several months ago in time for the park’s opening on Sunday, promise to boost speeds on two of the coaster’s biggest drops to more than 60 miles per hour.
“We do anticipate it will be faster,” said a spokesperson for the Zamperla Group, which operates the city landmark.
The wood work is part of a major $5.5 million overhaul on one of the oldest coasters still operating in the country, and the operator expects to repave all 2,640 feet of tracks over the next 15 years, internal documents show.
Two years ago, rotting wood near the first descent was repaired and a year later renovations to the second and third drops followed. This winter, wood by the sixth and 11th hills was updated, according to the documents.
“Since we began operating and caring for the Cyclone Roller Coaster in 2011, it has been our goal to provide the most enjoyable ride possible for our visitors, while continuing to preserve the authenticity and historical significance of the ride,” said Zamperla Group president Alberto Zamperla.
Still, the renovations have saddened some traditionalists, who believe that the old wood gives it a shaky, intense energy that delights thrillseekers. Because of turbulence, personal items — wigs or dentures, for example — often fly out of cars as it reaches its highest peak at 85 feet.
“It sounds like things are loose and it’s going to come apart,” said Brooklyn historian Ron Schweiger, himself a fan of the roller coaster. “That’s part of the excitement.”
When the Cyclone opened in 1927 it quickly became an iconic symbol, but the neighborhood’s popularity waned after World War II and by the late 1960s the ride was condemned.
It was nearly destroyed, but residents campaigned to save the landmark, and in 1971 the city acquired the Cyclone.
Today the Cyclone carts about 250,000 people each season.
“We’re excited to begin the 2014 season at Luna Park and look forward to creating memorable experiences for all ages,” said Zamperla in a statement.
rblau@nydailynews.com
