[Jonathan]

I suspect they probably found it worth it to shell out the cash for the rights. There's just too much potential to draw people in with that name attached to it. The NASCAR museum opening makes it a slam dunk. Guess we'll see in a month!

[b&mcoaster1095]

Actually, I'm thinking this'll be tributed to Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough, and David Pearson. This is just a complete guess, but bringing back the days of moonshinin' and the whole WL theme makes a lot of sense to me because of the park's history.

[Coaster Punk]

Any chance Nascar is doing this for free is what im asking?

[CarolinaCoasterFreak]

From Carowinds The Early Years:

The name Thunder Road (the best coaster name at Carowinds in my opinion), was taken from the 1958 Robert Mitchum movie depicting moonshining in the Carolina mountains. Route 9, going north from Atlanta, was nicknamed Thunder Road during the prohibition when bootleggers with souped up car engines would race to outrun the law & revenuers.

Yes!!!!!! We can have ANOTHER coaster that has to do with illegal liquor! But really though, how does the number 3 hint at White Lightning?

[b&mcoaster1095]

^ ... It could be a fake from Dani.

Whoops, she reads this stuff. Hi Dani!

[carorush09]

History Making...Record making; This along with the sound effects from coaster stock has really made me crazy. I'm racking my brain trying to figure out the clues. Oh well whatever is to come will surely be worth the wait.

[Davidtmp]

Any chance Nascar is doing this for free is what im asking?

No. NASCAR has their own problems with sponsors shrinking and teams losing their GM dollars. They would have to make something in return, they aren't going to give out their brand to make someone else money. It potentially could be a win-win situation for both parties. NASCAR makes some extra cash while Carowinds pulls in race fans into the park to ride NASCAR:The Ride. Now, put a racing themed movie in the Spongebob Motion Theatre and a NASCAR Ice Show in the Carowinds theatre and you have an even better experience at all parts of the park, not just in one section. You could have autograph sessions or meet and greets at the Plaza stage up front, but it would be hard to get current drivers there on weekends when you have the bigger crowds due to the schedule.

[b&mcoaster1095]

Teaser #2. From TPR.

^Just got back from the park and by the Carowinds sign and sky tower there is a box that has many teasers . The crate reads a few interesting things like IZ 12 E nuff" (12E is someone at Carowinds a Cedar Point fanboy O_O) and on the side it has "Lightning really does strike twice" , all letters are in white on the silver crate backing and it revv's and makes car noises. It also states "Do not open till spring 2010". Theres also a shipping label "bull dog shipping" with "thinking Big really Big" listed. The box lists MorganTown West Virginia, 26505. Under it , the listing says "item #44".

I think we have an in park teaser like the box we had before Cobra.

I will upload a pic from my friends phone When he gets home later tonight.

I knew it was WL!!
This is NerioCollie on these boards. He's a member here.

We also have more clues to add to the puzzle!!

[KenB]

Oh crap....we're getting a Morgan.

This seems to put White Lightning back in play, at least. The rest of it hints at the 13th coaster (knew that) and something big (knew that). The rest seems like filler, but there may be another clue or two in there.

[b&mcoaster1095]

The most puzzling thing is "Item #44".

[bgwfreak]

Don Knotts is from Morgantown. According to Wiki.

We are getting "Andy Griffith The Ride"!!!

I thought maybe that was a clue to the theme, but no such luck.

[Whitesoxsfan21]

Well , I'm definitely going to Carowinds soon... Sounds interesting. I'll have to see for myself.

[bpmitchell]

I am making plans for going to Carowinds in the fall for Scarowinds. I cannot wait to see how much has taken place at that time.

[lily the walrus]

I am trying REALLY REALLY hard to be excited about themeing related to NASCAR/Intimidator/racing/White Lightning/bootlegging/etc. etc... but I am just not feeling it. It really doesn't capture my interest or imagination. Am I the only one?

Don't get me wrong- I get down on my knees every day and sing praises that Carowinds is getting this thing, no matter what the name/theme is.

Oh, though I do have to say that themeing the parking lot, if it must remain, as part of the ride is a damn good idea. (Wait....was that from this thread or the other one? I can't keep up.)

[CarolinaCoasterFreak]

Ahh. A box that revs and makes car noises. Well, I really don't know. I can't see this as white lightning, cause it really clashes with a racing theme, no matter how many similarities you can make between the two for me. I am not a fan of NASCAR, or bringing back white lightning. But I would much rather take intimidator as it makes so much more sense.