Cedar Fair Entertainment Company will open a new US$23m (£14.1m, 16m euro) super coaster at the Carowinds theme park in South Carolina, US.

To be called Intimidator, in honour of NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, the coaster will stand 232-feet tall at its highest peak and will send guests plunging down a 211-foot first drop at a 74-degree angle.

The coaster will occupy a 10-acre plot and will reach speeds of up to 75 miles per hour.

The ride has been designed by Switzerland-based Bolliger and Mabillard. The coaster manufacturer previously supplied Carowinds’ Afterburn (in 1999) and Vortex (1992) rides.

Construction on the Intimidator has begun and the ride is expected to open to the public in the Spring of 2010.