A track switching element for an amusement ride, comprising: a pivotable track section , the pivotable track section having a longitudinally extending support beam having a longitudinally extending upper surface , a first end and a second end , the support beam having pivot means located between the first end and the second end, and a longitudinally extending rail located adjacent the upper surface , the rail adapted to receive a vehicle and having a first rail end and a second rail end, one of the first rail end and the second rail end communicating with an entry rail section when the pivotable track section is in a first position; and a support structure for cooperating with the pivot means ; wherein the pivotable track section is pivotable about the pivot means from a first position to at least a second position, one of the first rail end and the second rail end communicating with an exit rail section in the second position; and characterized in that the support beam further comprises a support column having a first end and a second end, a convexly projecting drive arc having a first end and an inner surface , the first end of the support column abutting a lower surface of the support beam , the first end of the drive arc abutting a lower surface of the support beam, the second end of the support column abutting an inner surface of the drive arc . a pivotable track section , the pivotable track section having a longitudinally extending support beam having a longitudinally extending upper surface , a first end and a second end , the support beam having pivot means located between the first end and the second end, and a longitudinally extending rail located adjacent the upper surface , the rail adapted to receive a vehicle and having a first rail end and a second rail end, one of the first rail end and the second rail end communicating with an entry rail section when the pivotable track section is in a first position; and a longitudinally extending support beam having a longitudinally extending upper surface , a first end and a second end , the support beam having pivot means located between the first end and the second end, and a longitudinally extending rail located adjacent the upper surface , the rail adapted to receive a vehicle and having a first rail end and a second rail end, one of the first rail end and the second rail end communicating with an entry rail section when the pivotable track section is in a first position; and a support structure for cooperating with the pivot means ; wherein the pivotable track section is pivotable about the pivot means from a first position to at least a second position, one of the first rail end and the second rail end communicating with an exit rail section in the second position; and characterized in that the support beam further comprises a support column having a first end and a second end, a convexly projecting drive arc having a first end and an inner surface , the first end of the support column abutting a lower surface of the support beam , the first end of the drive arc abutting a lower surface of the support beam, the second end of the support column abutting an inner surface of the drive arc . <EOS>