Six Flags Great America officials have announced the red and blue cars of the American Eagle will be racing each other once again.
In a thrilling nod to its past and as a highlight of its 50th anniversary, Six Flags Great America in Gurnee has announced that the American Eagle – its massive, historic, dual-track wooden coaster – will race side-by-side once again for the first time in nearly 10 years.
The move will return the iconic coaster to its original side‑by‑side operation during the theme park’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.
“American Eagle has been a classic of Six Flags Great America for more than four decades,” said John Krajnak, Park President of Six Flags Great America. “Bringing back racing is a meaningful way to celebrate the nostalgia guests remember while delivering the kind of thrilling, shared experience that defines our park today.”
The American Eagle debuted in 1981 and quickly became a fan favorite for its towering wooden structure and unique racing experience, officials said.
For decades, guests lined up to experience the excitement of two trains racing side‑by‑side, creating both competition and unforgettable moments among riders.
Now, as part of the park’s 50th Anniversary season, that original experience returns as both sides of American Eagle will operate simultaneously, allowing guests to experience the head‑to‑head excitement that made the ride a standout attraction for generations.
Still standing as the tallest, fastest, and longest racing wooden roller coaster in the world, the return of American Eagle’s original operation adds a new dimension to an already landmark season, inviting longtime fans to relive one of the park’s most iconic ride experiences while introducing a new generation to the friendly competition that defined the ride’s early years.
Its return to racing honors the park’s legacy while reinforcing its commitment to delivering dynamic, can’t‑miss experiences, officials said.
In addition to the American Eagle racing again, the 50th Anniversary Celebration at the park features new entertainment, nostalgic experiences, exclusive offerings, and iconic moments that celebrate five decades of thrills.
For more information on American Eagle and the 50th Anniversary Celebration, people are urged to visit sixflags.com/greatamerica.