Clearance testing begins at Universal Studios Florida
A post on r/rollercoasters first showed a Dodge Charger ride vehicle on the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift track at Universal Studios Florida, with a winch installed at the top of the wave turn. That set-up matters because it marks the point where Universal starts checking whether the train can move through the layout cleanly before powered testing begins.
Inside Universal later confirmed that Universal Orlando has begun vehicle testing on the coaster, with pull-through and clearance checks now underway. During this phase, the vehicle is moved slowly through the full course while equipment simulates the reach of a rider’s arms and legs, allowing crews to verify that the clearances are correct all the way around the ride. The project is still slated to open in 2027.
What the winch is for
The winch at the top of the wave turn is part of that validation process. It will be used to pull the test vehicle through the route so crews can check the ride’s tightest points under controlled conditions. The Dodge Charger vehicle is currently on the track near launch one, which is the clearest sign yet that the testing phase has moved from preparation into active clearance checks.
What happens next
The next stage after pull-through testing is powered testing, but Universal has not confirmed when that will start. For now, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is at the stage where the track, vehicle movement and clearances are being validated in detail, which is a key step on the way to the 2027 opening window.
