Lagoon Amusement Park, a longtime family‑friendly destination in the Salt Lake Valley, unveiled its newest thrill ride on Saturday. The park confirmed that a brand‑new single‑rail coaster, named J3 Grand Prix, will open in the summer of 2027, taking the place of the Jet Star 2 coaster that closed in 2025.
First Intamin single‑rail coaster in the United States
J3 Grand Prix will be the first U.S. installation of Intamin’s Hot Racer single‑rail model, a design previously seen only on three overseas parks in Australia, France and Russia. The ride’s “Formula One‑inspired” theme reflects its sleek, narrow track profile, which Intamin says allows tighter turns and a more compact footprint—perfect for fitting into the former Jet Star 2 site.
Ride specifications
According to Lagoon, the coaster will stretch 1,746 feet and feature 13 airtime moments along with three inversions. A tire‑propelled launch will accelerate the train to a top speed of 40 mph, delivering a fast‑paced experience that balances excitement with family accessibility.
Impact on the park and local tourism
Lagoon’s director of special events, Julie Freed, told Salt Lake City‑area station KTVX that the addition marks the park’s 11th operating coaster. The last major coaster addition was Primordial, a hybrid coaster‑dark‑ride hybrid that opened in 2023. By expanding its coaster lineup, Lagoon aims to attract both regional visitors and out‑of‑state tourists, supporting Utah’s broader tourism economy.
Industry context
Single‑rail coasters have been a niche segment in the United States, dominated by Rocky Mountain Construction’s Raptor models. Intamin’s entry with J3 Grand Prix diversifies the market and gives Utah a unique attraction not found elsewhere in the country. The manufacturer is also known for high‑profile projects such as the Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando.
Looking ahead
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the park planning a summer 2027 opening. Lagoon officials anticipate that the new coaster will complement existing attractions and reinforce the park’s reputation as a premier family entertainment venue in the Intermountain West.
Local businesses anticipate a boost in visitor traffic as the coaster draws coaster enthusiasts from across the region. The park’s continued investment in new rides underscores its commitment to providing wholesome, family‑oriented entertainment that aligns with the values of the surrounding community.
Original reporting: Orlando Rising — read the source article.
