Whizzer (roller coaster)

Whizzer
Previously known as Willard's Whizzer
The Whizzer as it appeared in 2005, showing its unique lift hill.
Six Flags Great America
Park sectionHometown Square
Coordinates42°22′06″N 87°56′08″W / 42.368199°N 87.935659°W / 42.368199; -87.935659
StatusOperating
Opening dateMay 29, 1976 (1976-05-29)
California's Great America
Coordinates37°23′46″N 121°58′29″W / 37.396057°N 121.974689°W / 37.396057; -121.974689
StatusRemoved
Opening dateMarch 20, 1976 (1976-03-20)
Closing date1988 (1988)
Whizzer at California's Great America at RCDB
General statistics
TypeSteel
ManufacturerAnton Schwarzkopf
DesignerWerner Stengel
ModelSpeedracer
Track layoutTerrain
Lift/launch systemElectric spiral lift
Height70 ft (21 m)
Drop64 ft (20 m)
Length3,100 ft (940 m)
Speed45 mph (72 km/h)
Inversions0
Duration2:00
Height restriction36 in (91 cm)
Trains3 trains with 4 cars. Riders are arranged 1 across in 6 rows for a total of 24 riders per train.
WebsiteOfficial website
Flash Pass Available
Whizzer at RCDB

Whizzer, originally named Willard's Whizzer, is a steel roller coaster located at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, United States. Designed by Werner Stengel and built by Anton Schwarzkopf, the Speedracer model was one of two identical roller coasters built for the Marriott Corporation in time for the debut of their Great America parks in 1976.

The first installation of the ride opened with California's Great America on March 20, 1976, and it operated until 1988. The second opened with Six Flags Great America on May 29, 1976, and remains in operation. Both were the last Speedracer models ever built by Schwarzkopf, and the remaining Whizzer installation is one of only two Speedracers left in existence – the other is Montaña Rusa at Parque del Café in Montenegro, Quindío, Colombia.