Patent ID: 7980181

Claim:
A drag racing roller coaster amusement ride comprising: at least two sets of independent running rails, wherein each set has at least one running rail and an embark point; at least two carriers each arranged to carry at least one rider on a respective set of running rails with the rider(s) in a substantially prone position, each carrier comprising at least one attachment mechanism arranged to slidingly engage with the respective set of running rails to enable the carriers to traverse the ride carrying the riders; an indicator arranged to provide a ride commencement indication; a launch system configured to provide a powered initial motion to each carrier; and a ride activator for each carrier controllable by a rider of the respective carrier to trigger the launch system to commence the ride for the respective carrier following the ride commencement indication; wherein the sets of running rails are arranged so that the carriers descend at least part of the ride, after the initial powered motion from the launch system, under gravity, and wherein at least one of the carriers comprises a mechanism for at least one rider to apply a steering action to the carrier as it traverses the respective set of running rails, the mechanism adapted such that effective steering results in a mechanical advantage for the carrier by reducing friction between the carrier and the set of running rails as the carrier traverses regions of the respective set of running rails.