Thunder Road, a classic roller coaster at Carowinds theme park, is gearing up for its final ride.

After nearly 40 million rides and 39 years, the wooden roller coaster will carry its last guest on July 26, according to a park release.

The ride is being retired as part of a $50 million multi-year investment plan.

The old wood coaster features twin, parallel racing trains which reach speeds of up to 45 mph.  The coaster races in and out of North and South Carolina, so riders can choose to take part in a friendly Carolina rivalry.

Carowinds will be celebrating the history of Thunder Road over the coming months. Guests have until July 26 at 10 p.m. to take part in the Thunder Road celebration.

Carowinds fans created an online petition to keep the park from retiring the iconic roller coaster.

For more information, visit the Carowinds website by clicking here.

Featured

University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue said joining neighboring states to form a new accreditation agency will “keep Georgia’s universities among the best in the nation." (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC