When Eisenhower designed the Interstate Highway system, he envisioned a lawless, death-race arena where only the fastest could avoid being killed by mechanical gulls. Experience a thrilling fraction of his racing dream with today's Groupon: for $10, you get an unlimited all-day attractions ride pass at the Sahara Hotel and Casino, a $22.95 value. The Sahara features a dynamic duo of speed-themed rides that Groupon holders can ride over and over again to supply themselves with nature's brain candy—non-stop adrenaline.
Not content with the disappointing, dizzying carnival coasters of their youth, the Sahara entertainmentologists and the NASCAR speed shamans formed a holy alliance to create Speed–The Ride, a coaster that races along 1,364 feet of track. Your adventures in the Speedpocolypse begin when you are catapulted by a burst of electromagnetic energy, only to be plummeted 25 feet below the earth's surface through a misty sewer labyrinth. Because the only thing more attractive to speed addicts than riding a NASCAR-approved machine is riding that speed demon through a busy casino, passengers will hit up to 70 mph as they speed through the nearly 200-foot Sahara marquee. Utterly relentless, the ride's cheek-smashing climax features a stunning twist ending where you'll stop 224 feet in the air only to realize the whole ride is starting again in reverse, like favorite palindromes such as mom , racecar, and Drew Barrymore.
The Cyber Speedway uses deep regression hypnosis to reveal riders' past lives as late great racecar drivers and speed innovators with their own jumpsuits and sponsorship deals. To ride the Cyber Speedway, you'll strap into a hydraulic base-mounted 7/8th-to-size stockcar replica so customizable that you can adjust everything from horsepower to transmission torque to your liking. Once you've molded your perfect car out of brain clay, prepare to take on seven other racers on authentic visual replicas of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway or streets on the Las Vegas strip. The combination of a 20-foot wrap-around screen and the realistic movement of your car will immerse you in the sensation of speeds as high as 220 mph without threatening crashes or dreaded bouts of speed toe.
Reviews
Nine Yelpers give Speed–The Ride at the Sahara Hotel and Casino 3.5 stars, Yahoo! Travelers give it 4.5 stars, and Theme Park Critics give it a more precise 4.26 out of five:
- If you like roller coasters then this is the ride for you! It may be short but it's sweet. Just be prepared for the very quick start! Love it, wish I was there now! – Action Man, Yahoo! Travel
- The quick launch right into an overbanked turn is a wild sensation. The loop being right in the middle of a crowded city area adds a lot to the experience. – kowrip, Theme Park Critic
- Me and my friend went to Vegas and was looking to do anything that we could to get our adrenaline pumping and well....this ride was go good that we actually rode it twice back to back. – Becka, Yahoo! Travel
Frommer's says this of the Cyber Speedway:
- Speed junkies and race-car buffs will be in heaven here, though those with tender stomachs should consider shopping at the well-stocked theme gift shop instead or playing video games in the Pit Pass Arcade next door, which has 120 game stations.