GURNEE, IL – MAY 24: Signage lies near the entrance to Six Flags Great America May 24, 2005 in Gurnee, Illinois. Looking to protect park visitors, Six Flags now has information printed on the back of their season passes regarding sex offenders’ rights on visiting their parks. On the current season pass, Six Flags has wording stating it reserves the right to deny admission of anyone convicted of a sex crime or anyone required to be registered as a sex offender. The policy is included on season passes to all its 30 parks nationwide. (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)
Preparing to open for its 45th season of operation, an iconic coaster at Six Flags Great America has earned a new title ahead of the upcoming season.
American Eagle, which debuted as the world's fastest roller coaster upon its opening in 1981, has been named an American Coaster Enthusiasts Roller Coaster Landmark.
The title puts American Eagle in elite company, part of 50 coasters across 42 parks worldwide that are honored for their lasting impact on roller coaster history.
According to American Coaster Enthusiasts, American Eagle will be honored at Coaster Con 47, hosted at Six Flags Great America in June.
Boasting a 147-foot drop and top speeds of 66 miles per hour, American Eagle remains a renowned racing wooden roller coaster, with its 9,300 feet of combined track making it the world's longest double-racing wooden roller coaster.
American Eagle becomes the park's third roller coaster to achieve ACE Landmark status, following Whizzer, which opened with the park in 1976, and Batman: The Ride, the world's first inverted roller coaster that opened in 1992.
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