F1 Theme Park No More; What Would Your Rides Have Been?

Harry Potter may have got his own theme park, yet sadly Formula 1 will not be casting its own spell over the general public.

Plans to build a park celebrating the sport collapsed when Dubai based company Union Properties closed down their plans to build the attraction.
The economic crisis seemingly gained another victim.

In honour of the theme park that could have been, here are my ideas for attractions that could have featured at the park.

We're Riding In Our Rollercoaster, Come On

What do you get if you cross a roller coaster with the twisty and hilly nature of Spa? An intense experience of course.

Willing riders will be thrust around a miniature re-creation of the longest circuit on the calender.

The incredible g-force will be felt whilst those who participate can do so without the restricting cockpits and overalls that the drivers usually have to wear.

The ability to go from 0-100mph in a matter of seconds is enough to entice millions onto the ride.

For those with a keen eye for detail, what is to stop the ride from being surrounded by the forests surrounding Spa also?

The pits could also be accommodated in all their glory as a way of ushering those into the ride with the standard stoplight sign.

You get on and you position yourself in front of the starting lights.

Five lights, four lights, three lights, two lights, one light and its go, go, go.

Formula 1 In 3D

With the recent takeover of 3D films, why not let Formula 1 in on a piece of the action?

The easy option would be to allow participants a visual re-enactment of a racing or qualifying lap, so as to make them feel as if they're actually there.

What would be more intriguing though is the use of 3D to recreate a collection of terrific crashes and collisions.

Imagine being a part of the mayhem caused when David Coulthard bulldozed into the wall in Belguim. For the duration of the collision, picture the vast array of tires and car parts flashing inches from your face as you attempt to comprehend what has just happened.

Or, what about appearing as the aforementioned Scottish driver, Damon Hill or Jacques Villeneuve as moments from seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher's controversial collisions are recreated.

It would not be for the faint of heart, so an age limit would have to be provided.

The attraction would instill upon those who want to take part, the excitement and energy that often comes into the sport.

It may also allow greater appreciation for the dangers that the field of drivers face race in, race out.

A Monte Carlo Treat

Concentration is a key component to the success of a Formula 1 driver. The ability to focus and make split second efficient decisions is of vital importance.

So, in a cart built for a party of five, why not simulate a track such as Monte Carlo where obstacles are plentiful?

Allow the participants to navigate their way around a lap of the street circuit as pieces of machinery, stray animals or near collisions with walls come into play.

Add to this experience by asking the racers to tackle shooting targets that appear around the track to further test their concentration skills.

This will add a little competition to the attraction as points will be scored depending on accuracy.

You play the game, you see the scores, you buy a picture illustrating the scores, and you then proceed to gloat for the remainder of the day about your victory!

The Water Ride

A theme park would not be a theme park without the obligatory water ride. The log flume is an institution at any park, so why not give the Formula 1 theme park a water attraction to be proud of?

The best spectacle within the rain appears when aquaplaning comes into action. Cars slide across the track at relatively fast speeds, as the drivers aim to make it around in one piece.

The struggle to keep all four wheels heading in the right direction can be simulated for the general public with bumper car style outfits that float on top of vast amounts of water.

In a typical track format, groups of people could compete as they tackle one lap of a Grand Prix circuit trying to avoid falling off track and losing control of their car.

First past the post wins, and for those who stutter and end up facing the wrong bit of tarmac, the embarrassment begins.

Can I Take Your Order Please?

For any red blooded male who watches the sport the "pit babes" are an essential aspect.

They provide an increased spectacle pre-race by helping to organize the start and finish, wearing not much more than a smile.

The restaurant for the theme park should therefore take this idea.

In a layout resembling a grid formation, the tables would be situated with one "pit babe" per table, ready to take your order.

They use their sign post to do this and then scoot off to and from the kitchen with your order. You take a picture of the event, leave the diner happy and head back to the park for some more fun.