History

65 Years of Legacy: Decades of Innovation Built on a Passion to Propel

With over six decades of experience, we don’t just look back at our past – we look towards our future. How do you evolve from a single C.P. Huntington™ Train to the sophisticated, sustainable Electric eTRAM™? The answer lies in a culture where deep-rooted tradition meets the relentless pursuit of “what’s next.”

Built on a Visionary Foundation

Our story began in 1946 with Harold Chance, a young visionary who saw beyond the status quo. While working with the Ottaway Amusement Company, Harold didn’t just build miniature trains; he identified pain points that kept operators from thriving. Steam-powered models were charming, but impractical. Harold saw the opportunity to do better, engineering the transition to gasoline-powered reliability and setting the stage for decades of industry-leading performance.

Innovation as a Tradition

Harold Chance was more than a ride manufacturer – he was an operator who understood the realities of the midway firsthand. Life on the road taught him that rides needed to be more than durable; they also needed to be efficient. In 1961, when he formed Chance Manufacturing Company, Inc. in Wichita, Kansas, he cultivated a philosophy that still defines us: “Designed for realism; built to last.”

When the industry demanded faster logistics, Harold answered. By acquiring and reengineering the Trabant in 1963 to be trailer-mounted, he reduced setup times from three days to three hours. This single breakthrough, a blend of creative acquisition and mechanical ingenuity, revolutionized the industry and established the “portable” standard we are still known for today.

Moving the Ride Industry Forward

From those early days of trailer-mounted rides to the global reach of our modern amusement catalog, the “Chance” name has remained synonymous with safety and solving complex challenges. We’ve always been a hands-on company, where the builder understands the operator and the operator understands the guest.

Today, we honor our foundational values of realism, durability, and a dedication to the guest experience by fearlessly embracing the future. Whether it is refining our classic carousel artistry with hand-finished detail or engineering the next generation of zero-emission Electric eTRAM™, we continue building a legacy of excellence as an industry leader.

At Chance Rides, our history is our blueprint. We are 65 years strong, continuing to push the boundaries of guest experiences, efficiency, and sustainability to ensure that the next 65 years are just as groundbreaking as the first.

See How Our Commitment to Innovation Has Shaped the Amusement Industry Since 1961

Chance Rides celebrates 65 years of leadership in amusement rides, driving innovation, expansion, and the future of guest experiences.

1961
Chance Manufacturing Company, Inc., was founded by Harold Chance in Wichita, Kansas. It all started with a C.P. Huntington™ train, today there have been over 430 trains produced.
1963
The Trabant amusement ride, produced by Chance Manufacturing Company, Inc. starting in 1963, was a very popular spinning, tilting platform ride.
1966
Skydiver was a ride previously produced by Chance Manufacturing Company, Inc. The ride was comparable to a ferris wheel with vehicles that could rotate as they revolved around the structure.
1968
The Zipper was created by Joseph Brown with Chance Manufacturing Company, Inc. in 1968 in Wichita, Kansas. The ride has amassed a cult following over its decades in operation, and was named by Popular Mechanics as one of the strangest amusement park rides in the world.
1970
Dick Chance started with the company in 1970, after graduating from college. (Photo Dick and Harold Chance)
1970
Chance Manufacturing Co., Inc. purchased the assets of the Allen Herschel Company. At the time, Allan Herschel was the largest manufacturer of amusement rides in North America. This acquisition allowed the company to increase its product line to include carousels.
1971
Harold Chance organized the first amusement ride safety seminar that continues today as AIMS, the Amusement Industry Manufacturers & Suppliers, International.
1973
The 1970s and early 80s were a period of rapid innovation and creativity for Chance Manufacturing, including the development of the classic YO-YO.
1985
Harold Chance retired from Chance Manufacturing Company, Inc. Later, his son Dick Chance formed Chance Industries, Inc., with subsidiaries Chance Rides, Chance Coach and Chance Engineering. (L to R Harold, Mike, Dick Chance)
1989
Chance Manufacturing experienced impressive growth, expanding its product line to include ornate carousels, and urban transit buses, notably the Replica Streetcar bus.
1998
Mike, Dick’s oldest son, joined the company and helped expand the theme park side of the business. His influence and drive allowed the company to begin building rollercoasters. (L to R Dick, Harold, Mike Chance)
2001
The early 2000s was the period of thrill ride growth for Chance Rides. In 2001, Michael acquired the roller coaster designs of D.H. Morgan Manufacturing in California and formed Chance Morgan Coasters, Inc. The manufacturing was moved to its Wichita headquarters while engineering remained for a time in California. Michael served as Chance Ride’s president until he passed away in 2016.
2004
Chance American Wheels, LLC teamed with European partners to produce R60 (60 meters high) Observation Wheels, holding exclusive rights to the design for North America.
2011
Celebrating 50 years of the family in the amusement ride business, in 2011 the Chance Rides name was reintroduced.
2016
John Chance joined the business, focusing on engineering and product development. He led the conversion of the C.P. Huntington™ Train from internal combustion to fully electric, significantly increasing sales.
2017
Aaron Landrum joined the company as President & Chief Operating Officer, strengthening leadership for continued growth. Following Dick Chance’s retirement in 2023, Landrum assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer.
2023
Dick Chance retired after selling Chance Rides Manufacturing, Inc., to Missouri-based Permanent Equity.
2025
Chance Rides is driving global growth through international partnerships and expanding its offerings with innovative, sustainable solutions.
Today
As Chance Rides celebrates 65 years, the company is building on its legacy with a focus on innovation, growth, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in attractions and guest experiences.