For the first time in nine years, Darien Lake Theme Park Resort is adding a new roller coaster.

Darien Lake officials confirmed that the Genesee County amusement park will be the first in the country to bring "Motocoaster" to its patrons. The $3.4 million coaster, now under construction, is expected to make its debut when the park opens on May 3 about two weeks before Knotts Berry Farm amusement park in suburban Los Angeles introduces the same ride.

Darien Lake and Knotts Berry Farm are the first U.S. amusement parks to install the coaster.

Motocoaster is being constructed near the Beaver Brothers restaurant. Riders will sit on seats designed to look like motorcycles and be strapped in at their waist and legs. Their upper body remains free,

Each Motocoaster ride has a 12-passenger long train, with the park running two trains simultaneously on the tracks. Motocoaster takes riders from 0 to 40 mph in 2 seconds. The entire ride lasts about 90 seconds.

Darien Lake spokeswoman Mary Christa Sellan said she expects to see a bump in Darien Lake's attendance this season just because of the new coaster. In 1999 when the "Ride of Steel" roller coaster debuted, attendance at the park increase 10 percent.

"I know this is getting a lot of buzz already," she said.

Besides the coaster, Darien Lake is revamped its "Cirque" show that made its first appearance last summer. The show proved popular with park patrons.

Darien Lake has more than 100 rides and attractions.

Darien Lake, according to an economic development analysis conducted by the Genesee County Economic Development Corp., has a $275 million economic impact on the county.

The park is owned by Parc Management LLC of Jacksonville, Fla., which bought it and six other parks last year for $312 million.