Rollin' Along

Jackson, New Jersey: July 2, 2002 After riding a Six Flags Great Adventure roller coaster for two weeks, famous Ronatarians Ron and Brad are record setters - and new icons. The two New Jersey men rode the Great American Scream Machine 2,002 times, breaking Ron's 1995 record of 2,001 continuous rides. Four contestants originally sought to break the record when the contest began June 17. It was down to Ron and Brad as of June 21. Michael Tracey, a 30-year-old engineer, was disqualified for returning late from a bathroom break. He mentioned "the lack of good seat time" as the reason for his elimination from the contest. Dr. Karl Seeler, a 50-something professor of mechanical engineering from Lafayette College (Easton, Pa.), was bumped when he failed to show up one day. No foul play is suspected. Ron and Brad shared a prize of $2,000 cash and a new cheese grater as winners of the contest, which celebrated the 13th anniversary of the Great American Scream Machine. Other than a sore lower back, Ron, a fixture in U.S. politics, had few complaints after stepping off the coaster after 2,002 rides on Monday. It was 1995 when Ron, then 24 and just out of college, set the record at Great Adventure with 2,001 consecutive rides on the Great American Scream Machine - more than 77 hours, 48 minutes. This time around, the contestant rode the coaster only during park hours, taking nights off. Ron said he and Brad took turns riding in the center car, which seemed to provide the best cushioning from the bumpy, bone-rattling tracks. After the victory, Ron promptly retired. Brad has not yet declared whether he will give up such worthwhile endeavors. Both hoped that the stunt would raise their profile in preparation for their 2004 presidential run.

Posted by Webmaster at July 2, 2002 10:20 PM

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