Higher roller coaster planned at casino

Monday, Aug. 30, 1999 | 11:18 a.m.

A previously approved NASCAR-themed roller coaster at the Sahara hotel-casino will now be 244 feet high, according to plans filed with the Clark County Planning Commission.

The coaster, originally approved by the Clark County Planning Commission last October, would load inside the Sahara, run outside the casino and head south along Las Vegas Boulevard through a 110-foot tunnel en route to a 244-foot vertical tower.

Sahara also revealed plans to expand its existing showroom to seat 1,000, as well as add new stage areas.

The plans were approved by the staff of the planning commission, which found the plans were in keeping with those of other properties along the Strip.

The coaster was originally planned to run entirely indoors. A second approval for the ride was required because the maximum height originally approved was 100 feet. The Sahara must still receive approval from the Federal Aviation Administration before it can proceed.

The planning commission is set to vote on the Sahara's updated application Sept. 9. The roller coaster is part of a planned NASCAR-themed cafe, casino and retail project.

Located at the northernmost end of the Strip, the Sahara is owned by Gordon Gaming Corp., a company controlled by former Circus Circus Enterprises Inc. Chairman Bill Bennett.