 Top Gun: The Jet Coaster soft opened to guests and media on March 16, 1999. Riders of the first cycle included NASCAR drivers Stanton Barrett, Tony Stewart, Jerry Nadeau, and Kenny Wallace. The ride officially opened to the public on March 20, 1999. On July 1, 2006, the Cedar Fair Entertainment Company announced their acquisition of all of the Paramount Parks, including Carowinds. The aforementioned Top Gun roller coasters at other parks were all renamed to Flight Deck by the 2008 season, with Carowinds'installation being renamed to Afterburn. For the 2014 season, the ride's 15th season, Afterburn will receive a new coat of paint.
