Podcast Episode Team

Host: Jessica Gardner

Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

Editor: Bob Randolph

Correspondent: Rachel Hawkins

As Six Flags America prepares to close its gates for the final time, the ACE Ride With Us Podcast takes a heartfelt look back at the park’s incredible legacy. Correspondent Bob Randolph chats with Brichette Reid and B. Derek Shaw to share stories, laughter and nostalgia about the park’s roller coasters, history and the community that grew around it.

You’ll hear:

Personal memories and fan-favorite rides from decades past

Reflections on the park’s evolution and its impact on coaster enthusiasts

How Six Flags America became a beloved gathering place for thrill seekers

Thoughts on celebrating its history during this final week of operation

Whether you grew up visiting the park, or you’re saying goodbye for the first time, this episode is a touching tribute to the thrills, friendships and memories that made Six Flags America unforgettable.

Take a stroll down memory lane and ride with us one last time.

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

Podcast Episode Team

Host: Jessica Gardner

Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

Editor: Ben Weinrach

Correspondent: Gerik Gooch

Let’s look back at the 2025 ACE Preservation Conference, where members gathered in California for three unforgettable days celebrating the history and preservation of classic parks and roller coasters.

From the thrills of Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia to the marine magic of SeaWorld San Diego and seaside charm of Belmont Park, host Jessica Gardner and podcast producer, ACE Communications Director Derek Perry relive the highlights of the weekend.

Then, the audio from Tim Cole’s presentation on how he helped save Belmont Park and the Giant Dipper is shared. Learn more about the park’s history and his efforts by checking out his book Saving Belmont: An Up and Down Journey.

Don’t forget to check out the recap of the weekend on ACE’s Youtube page

1:32 - Six Flags Magic Mountain

7:33 - SeaWorld San Diego

10:40 - Belmont Park

13:11 - The ACE Centennial Award

15:55 - Tim Cole’s Presentation

17:25 - History of Belmont Park and Giant Dipper

25:22 - How Tim Cole got into roller coasters

27:50 - The Gigantic first ride

29:22 - The closure

34:50 - Getting involved

41:29 - The Save The Coaster Committee

49:00 - Top Gun

54:10 - August 1990 - The first test run

54:31 - Q&A and Tim’s message to ACE

58:19 - Preservation Conference 2026, Volunteer Appreciation

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

Podcast Episode Team

Host: Jessica Gardner

Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

Episode Editors: Bob Randolph, Ben Weinrach and Derek Perry

Correspondent: Gerik Gooch

Production Manager: Corey Wooten

In this special episode, join the team behind ACE’s latest documentary, The Legacy of Schwarzkopf, ahead of its official debut on YouTube. Go behind the scenes as Kris Rowberry, Nicholas Laschkewitsch, Scott Schaffer and Bob Randolph share exclusive insights into the making of the film, the stories that shaped it and what viewers can expect from this exciting exploration into the world of these classic roller coasters.

Don't miss this insider look before the documentary premieres!

youtube.com/ridewithace

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

Podcast Episode Team

Host: Jessica Gardner

Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

Editor and Correspondent: Bob Randolph

Correspondent: Gerik Gooch

Production Manager: Corey Wooten

Coaster Con 47 Recap - Thrills Across the Midwest!

Coaster Con 47 rolled through the Midwest in June 2025, and it was a ride to remember! This six-day adventure took the American Coaster Enthusiasts to Six Flags Great America in Illinois, the charming Little Amerricka in Wisconsin and the iconic Indiana Beach.

Whether you missed out and want the inside scoop, or you were there and want to relive the magic, we’re breaking down all the highlights - from ERT and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to unforgettable coaster moments and ACE camaraderie.

Grab your lanyard, strap in, and join host Jessica Gardner along with Johnny McWilliams, Corey Brown and Tori Sereika for a full recap of the fun that made Coaster Con 47 unforgettable.

1:35 - Get to know Johnny McWIlliams

4:14 Say hello to Corey Brown

10:00 Meet Tori Sereika

14:10 Day 1 - Registration and Six Flags Great America

27:14 Interview with Rachel Kendziora - Regional Public Relations Manager of Midwest Six Flags parks

51:30 Day 2 - BTS Experiences, IAAPA/S&S Presentation, Landmark plaque ceremony for American Eagle, Ninth Annual Rubber Ducky Regatta

1:09:47 Day 3 - ACE Video Contest, ACE Annual Business Meeting, Tori’s Auction win

1:18:50 Day 4 - Little Amerricka

1:34:27 Banquet at Great Wolf Lodge

1:36:20 Day 5 - Indiana Beach, Midway Olympics

1:46:00 Day 6 - All American Triple Loop open!

1:50:50 Post Con at Holiday World

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

Podcast Episode Team

Host: Jessica Gardner

Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

Editor: Bob Randolph

Correspondent: Gerik Gooch

Production Manager: Corey Wooten

Podcast Episode Team

Host: Jessica Gardner

Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

Editors: Bob Randolph and Derek Perry

Correspondent: Gerik Gooch

Production Manager: Corey Wooten

ACE Spring Con 2025 took place this year in Virginia! ACEers visited Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Kings Dominion. Host Jessica Gardner, Correspondent Gerik Gooch and ACE Assistant Regional Rep from North Central, HaeKyung Thompson were there and now they break the three fun-filled days down for us.

1:30 Meet HaeKyung Thompson!

7:45 Discussion of HaeKyung’s visit to the soon to be closed Six Flags America

12:39 Day One at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

20:30 The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge

25:12 Interview with Conner Carr, Corporate Director of Rides and Engineering for United Parks & Resorts

36:47 Day Two at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Kings Dominion

57:00 Day Three at Kings Dominion

62:54 Interview with Bridgette Bywater, VP and General Manager of Kings Dominion

75:38 Meetups and favorite moments from the weekend

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: podcast@aceonline.org. Did you know anyone can join ACE? Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

Podcast Episode Team

Host: Jessica Gardner

Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry

Editor: Bob Randolph

Correspondent: Gerik Gooch

Production Manager: Corey Wooten