The 25th annual NAPHA (National Amusement Park Historical Association) Amusement Park and Attractions Survey has named Kennywood's new Sky Rocket coaster as one of two Best New Attractions for 2010.
Jim Seay, president of designer and manufacturer Premier Rides, said: "We are extremely grateful for the recognition and honoured to receive such a prestigious award."
Kennywood's new coaster features three inversions and a 0-80kph/50mph launch in two seconds.
After the high-speed launch, riders experience a vertical ascent to 95ft before a brief pause at the top and a 90˚ drop into a maximum G-force pullout.
The train then travels into an inverted top hat element, passes into a barrel roll, and goes vertical again through a twist up leading to another pause ahead of a second vertical free fall.
This is followed by another maximum G-force pullout on the way into a highly banked fan curve.
After a twisted corkscrew, a curve to a zero gravity hill, and a series of wave turns, riders are returned to the station.
Premier Rides is best known for its high-tech magnetic launch roller coasters, but is also a global supplier of traditional roller coasters, observation wheels, towers, water rides and custom designed attractions.
Kennywood, located in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, US is part of Palace Entertainment. The company hosts more than 14 million visitors annually at 38 locations with seven theme parks, 10 water parks and 21 FECs.
