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There's another aspect of excitement in the world of thrill rides. There's the excitement of the latest announcements of upcoming rides from an industry as secretive as the military at times, and the excitement of all the latest happenings at parks around the world. Sometimes the news is good, sometimes the news is bad, but our aim is to bring you the fairest, timeliest, most accurate details on everything that concerns you. COASTER-net's team of journalists is hard at work around the clock to bring you the in-depth scoop!

Knievel to return to Kings Island
Evel's son Rob to break father's record

Kings Island, Mason, Ohio 04/25/08 - By: Mike Strobel -

History is about to repeat itself at Kings Island this coming summer. Robbie Knievel, son of Evel Knievel, shall jump 24 Coke Zero trucks this year, defeating his dad's record when he jumped 14 Greyhound buses at the same park in 1973.

Greg Sheid, Kings Island's vice-president also commented on the occasion, stating "This jump will forever link Kings Island and the Knievel family."

As his father did, Robbie has stated that this is to be his last big jump of his 37 year career. It is unknown at this time when the jump will occur.

Six Flags New England cancels Dark Knight project for 2008
Existing work will be torn down

Six Flags New England, Agawam, MA 04/16/08 - By: Donald Flint -

© Six Flags New England

Canned: Six Flags New England has canceled the upcoming Dark Knight coaster due to construction delays.

Within the growing collection of coasters coming in the summer of 2008 comes an surprising announcement from Massachusetts.

Six Flags New England, one of the trio of Six Flags parks due to receive one of the Dark Knight indoor coasters, has cancelled their addition.

Work has already begun to dismantle what's been built so far of the $7 million dollar investment. The main reasoning behind the cancelation were mostly due to paperwork mishaps, such as building permits and town board approvals vital to such a construction project. These delays were, as the park has said, unforseen.

Mike Strobel contributed to this article

Historic Dreamland coaster destroyed in fire
Arson is suspected in the catastrophic blaze

Dreamland, Kent, England 04/08/08 - By: Zachary Buckler -

The historic Scenic Railway was destroyed by fire on Monday April 8. The fire suspected by police to bea case of arson.

The wooden coaster was consumed in flames before 5 pm on Monday. By 5:30 the coaster's drop had collpsed.

The ride which had been around since 1920, burned to the ground as hundreds of onlookers watched in horror.

Over 60 firefighters around Kent County rushed to the scene. Firefighters had to increase the water pressure do to the tremendous strength of the flames.

60 percent of the structure was saved according to Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Chris Newberry.

"We are keeping an eye on a small section which is in slight danger of collapse, but the rest of the structure appears to be stable," according to a statement by Mr. Newberry.

Kent Police are still investigating the cause of the fire, but are suscpicious of foul play.

The attraction had been closed for two years, but was going to be reopened in hopes of boosting tourism to the area. The opening of the ride was the first plan to renew the whole Dreamland park.

Thanet county council leader Sandy Ezekiel stated his sadness concerning the drawback of the regeneration of the park saying, "In common with everyone who has worked so hard to rebuild Margate’s tourist industry, I am devastated by what has happened."

Former Margate mayor Mick Tomlinson said he was “devastated” by the fire, but added “I am positive that the ride must be rebuilt, and let’s just hope it is back up and running again soon."