Whizzer

Whizzer began life as Willard’s Whizzer, one of the opening-day attractions for Marriott’s Great America in Gurnee. In the Bicentennial summer of 1976, it gave the new park a graceful steel signature, set not as a tower of conquest but as a travelling ribbon through the grounds. en.wikipedia.org· coasterpedia.net

Anton Schwarzkopf’s Speedracer design gave the ride its particular ceremony. The train climbs an electric spiral lift, using motor power before gravity takes over; from there the course turns through low curves, spirals, and a pond-side passage that belongs very much to Great America’s landscaped Midwestern parkland. greatamericaparks.com· en.wikipedia.org

In 2002, Whizzer was announced for removal to make room for another attraction. Visitors answered with affection, and the plan changed. The old spiral-lift coaster stayed, a rare case where public attachment helped preserve a working piece of park engineering. coasterpedia.net· en.wikipedia.org

The ride was named an ACE Coaster Landmark in 2012 for its history and preservation. Still operating today, Whizzer remains the last surviving Schwarzkopf Speedracer, carrying new travellers through the same gentle turns that welcomed the park’s first crowds. sixflags.com· coasterpedia.net