Listen Live
Summer in South Carolina at Carowinds.

Source: Alekzander Agustin / Getty

Carowinds’ popular roller coaster, formerly named Intimidator after Dale Earnhardt, has been renamed Thunder Striker, sparking mixed reactions among fans.

The park’s partnership with Dale Earnhardt Inc. for the coaster’s name ended, with no explanation provided by Carowinds.

The coaster first debuted at Carowinds in 2010.

While some fans expressed disappointment over the change, others defended the new name as a nod to the region’s racing history.

The roller coaster, known for its speed and height, remains a significant attraction at Carowinds, despite the renaming controversy.

NASCAR legend and Kannapolis, NC native Dale Earnhardt, was beloved in the Carolinas with is intimidating style of racing.