Steeplechase (roller coaster)

A Steeplechase roller coaster has several side-by-side tracks in a dueling "racing" arrangement. Riders straddle horse-shaped single cars and launch simultaneously, as from a horse-race starting line.

The Steeplechase, Pleasure Beach Blackpool is the last remaining example of a steeplechase roller coaster still in operation.

• Motorcycle Chase was a modernized steeplechase roller coaster built in 1976 featuring single motorbike-themed vehicles racing side by side, each on one of four parallel tracks, launched together.^[1] One or two riders straddled each "Indian motorcycle" attraction vehicle. The tubular steel monorail track closely followed dips and bumps in "the road" and tilted to lean riders about the curves. Gasoline Alley, an electric steel-guide rail car ride below, was built together and intimately intertwined, which enhanced ride-to-ride interaction thrill value. Rider safety concerns of the high center of gravity coupled with the method of rider restraints caused it to be re-themed Wacky Soap Box Racers with vehicles now attached in four-car trains, each car seating two riders, strapped in low (nearly straddling the track), surrounded by the close fitting car sides, and the dips and bumps of the track were straightened flat in 1980.

Motorcycle Chase/Wacky Soap Box Racers was removed 1996 for a dueling loop coaster Windjammer Surf Racers and now a vertical, launch coaster takes its place Xcelerator.

• Steeplechase Park amusement zone in New York's Coney Island was named for its thrilling Steeplechase attraction, and is perhaps the most famous of this type roller coaster.

References

1. "Motorcycle Chase, Knott's Berry Farm, 1976" photograph of steeplechase-style roller coaster lift hill