Lightning Racer cost $12.5 million to construct The roller coaster required about of
southern yellow pine for its construction. It consists of two tracks (Thunder/Green and Lightning/Red), which are both long. A complete circuit on either track takes approximately two minutes and twenty seconds. The ride's
lift hill is approximately tall. After the first drop, the ride reaches a top speed of . At several points in the layout, the tracks are as close as to each other. The trains pass by each other in opposite directions at a combined . The ride's station was designed by Ralph E. Kaylor of
Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and is made of heavy timber and wood frame. The station features architectural details such as
shingle roofs, ventilation shafts, and
cupolas. Unlike in other racing coasters, there is a single queue line for both tracks, allowing guests to select which track they want to ride. In addition to providing a shaded queue area for guests, the station contains a shop where on-ride photos from the coaster are sold. Lightning Racer operates with four trains, which seat 24 riders per train. Trains were originally painted blue and white but have since been repainted red and green. The ride makes use of GCI's
Millennium Flyer articulated trains. Both tracks travel through the same elements, although at different times. Speed is affected by factors such as riders' weight, temperature, and lubrication; even riders' clothing has been known to affect the ride's speed. There is a tunnel about halfway through the course on both tracks. Both sides contain an
on-ride camera, located in the tunnel. In addition, when the ride opened, it passed next to a waterfall with a mist. ==Critical reception==