At a Glance
- Six Flags Over Texas installed the world’s highest Immelmann inversion on Tormenta Rampaging Run.
- The coaster will become the tallest, fastest, longest, and first giga dive coaster.
- New themed area Rancho de la Tormenta and restaurant Cocina Abuela will debut alongside the ride.
- Why it matters: The record-setting coaster and new attractions mark a major milestone for the park’s 65th anniversary and promise a fresh wave of thrills for visitors.
Six Flags Over Texas celebrated a significant engineering triumph on Tuesday, Jan. 20, when crews finished the Immelmann inversion on the brand-new Tormenta Rampaging Run coaster. The new element is set to propel the park into record territory, making the ride the world’s tallest, fastest, longest, and first giga-dive coaster.
The Record-Breaking Inversion
The Immelmann inversion on Tormenta Rampaging Run is more than a loop; it’s a massive 218-foot-high, 87-mph twist that will send riders skyward before plunging them back down. Park manager Mark Boyer explained, “This inversion is not just another loop on a roller coaster. It’s massive.”
Key Features
- Height: 218 feet
- Speed: 87 mph
- Historical reference: The Immelmann maneuver was first used by World War I fighter pilots, notably German pilot Max Immelmann.
Randy W. Ball, a pilot interviewed for the project, noted, “An Immelmann starts with a push down in your seat and you get heavier and heavier and heavier, as you pull [up], and then as the roller coaster, or the jet aircraft in my case, slows down, you get lighter and lighter and lighter in your seat until suddenly you roll.”
Other Record-Breaking Elements
Tormenta Rampaging Run is not limited to the inversion. The coaster will feature several other world-firsts:
| Record | Feature | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tallest dive coaster | Dive height | 309 ft |
| Highest vertical drop | Drop depth | 285 ft (95-degree) |
| Tallest vertical loop | Loop height | 179 ft |
| Longest dive coaster | Total length | 4,199 ft |
The coaster’s 4,199-foot track will deliver “an extended journey full of airtime (weightless) moments, sharp turns and exhilarating drops that will make riders feel like they are bull runners,” according to a park press release.
Thematic Inspiration
The ride’s design pays homage to Spanish bull-running traditions. Riders will be lifted to the top of the dive, held in a brief pause, and then barreled down the track-mirroring the anticipation before a bull is released.
Alongside the coaster, Six Flags Over Texas is opening a new themed land called Rancho de la Tormenta. The area will resemble a secluded Spanish village, complete with vibrant banners and lively Spanish music. A new restaurant, Cocina Abuela, will offer traditional Spanish and Latin-American dishes such as Spanish rice, papas bravas, chicken tinga, and fresh house-made guacamole.
65th Anniversary and Seasonal Reopening
While an exact opening date for Tormenta Rampaging Run has not yet been announced, the park confirmed that the attraction will debut as part of its 65th-anniversary celebrations. The anniversary will feature new entertainment, food and beverage options, ride enhancements, and park improvement initiatives.
Six Flags Over Texas officially reopens for the season on Saturday, Feb. 28, marking a fresh start for visitors eager to experience the new coaster and themed area.
What This Means for Guests
- Unprecedented Thrills: Riders will experience the highest Immelmann inversion, the tallest dive coaster, and the world’s highest vertical drop.
- Cultural Experience: The Spanish-themed land and restaurant add a unique cultural layer to the park’s offerings.
- Anniversary Celebration: The new attractions are part of a broader 65th-anniversary push, promising a revitalized park experience.
For those planning a trip, the new coaster and themed area represent a must-visit addition. The combination of record-breaking engineering and immersive theming underscores Six Flags Over Texas’s commitment to delivering memorable experiences.
Key Takeaways
- Tormenta Rampaging Run will hold multiple world records, including the tallest dive coaster and the highest vertical drop.
- The Immelmann inversion reaches 218 feet and 87 mph, offering a unique sensation of weightlessness.
- Rancho de la Tormenta and Cocina Abuela provide a Spanish-inspired backdrop and culinary experience.
- The attractions will debut during the park’s 65th-anniversary celebrations, with the season opening on Feb. 28.
Six Flags Over Texas’s latest project showcases how engineering, theming, and celebration can combine to create a landmark attraction that will draw thrill-seekers and families alike.
