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Revision as of 12:03, 15 May 2024 editAstros4477 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Rollbackers26,472 editsm Station, theme, and trains: considering this is a photo of Top Thrill Dragster, it should fall under the Top Thrill Dragster section (would be better if aligned right)← Previous edit Latest revision as of 05:34, 17 December 2024 edit undo50.43.163.191 (talk) Do NOT use that unless a permanent closure is announced! 
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| logo = | logo =
| logodimensions = <!--Must be expressed in pixels (px); default is 300px--> | logodimensions = <!--Must be expressed in pixels (px); default is 300px-->
| image = TopThrill2.jpg<!-- Ideally, this image should include the launch area and both spikes. Editors are encouraged to replace it with a better one. -->
| image = Top Thrill Dragster.jpg
| imagedimensions = 250px | imagedimensions = 250px
| caption = Top Thrill 2, when it was known as Top Thrill Dragster | caption = The top hat and its supports of Top Thrill 2
| previousnames = Top Thrill Dragster (2003–2023) | previousnames = Top Thrill Dragster (2003–2023)
| location = ] | location = ]
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| subsection = <!--Should be linked.--> | subsection = <!--Should be linked.-->
| coordinates = {{coord|41|29|2.25|N|82|41|10.38|W|region:US-OH_type:landmark|display=title,inline}} | coordinates = {{coord|41|29|2.25|N|82|41|10.38|W|region:US-OH_type:landmark|display=title,inline}}
| opened = {{Start date|2024|05|04}} | opened = <!-- Official opening date -->{{Start date|2024|05|04}}<!-- Future reopening dates do NOT override this date. -->
| soft_opened = {{Start date|2024|04|25}} | soft_opened = <!-- Preview event held on April 25, 2024. Read the article. -->{{Start date|2024|04|25}}<!-- Do NOT change without discussion. -->
| closed = {{End date|2024|05|11}} | closed =
| status = <!-- "Closed" is correct until it reopens. -->Closed<!--Only allowable options are: Operating, Closed, Under construction, and Removed-->
| status = Closed
| cost = $25 million{{efn|name=TTD-2003|Associated with the original construction of Top Thrill Dragster in 2003}} | cost = $25 million{{efn|name=TTD-2003|Associated with the original construction of Top Thrill Dragster in 2003}}
| replacement = | replacement =
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| model = LSM Lightning Launch Coaster | model = LSM Lightning Launch Coaster
| track = | track =
| lift = ] Launch | lift = ]
| height_ft = 420 | height_ft = 420
| drop_ft = 400 | drop_ft = 400
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| gforce = | gforce =
| restriction_in = 52 | restriction_in = 52
| virtual_queue_name =] only | virtual_queue_name = ] only
| virtual_queue_image =Cedar Fair Fast Lane Plus availability icon.svg | virtual_queue_image = Cedar Fair Fast Lane Plus availability icon.svg
| virtual_queue_status=available | virtual_queue_status=available
| single_rider = <!--Must be "available" if available.--> | single_rider = <!--Must be "available" if available.-->
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}} }}


'''Top Thrill 2''' is a ] located at ] in ], United States. The ride originally opened as '''Top Thrill Dragster''' in 2003, becoming the {{No wrap|]}} in the world, as well as the first ever ] – a height classification of {{Convert|400|ft}} or more. Designed by ], the ] model from ] debuted with a height of {{Convert|420|ft}} and could accelerate from 0 to {{Convert|120|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in 3.8 seconds. It was themed to ] drag racing, with the launch track designed to resemble a ],<ref>{{cite podcast| url= http://www.coasterradio.com/index.php| title=EPISODE #1824 - TOP THRILL 2: TONY CLARK, MAGIC, AND MYSTERY| website= CoasterRadio.com| publisher=| host=| date=August 3, 2023| time=11:05| access-date=August 7, 2023}}</ref> and it consistently ranked as one of the world's top steel coasters in ''Amusement Today''{{'}}s annual ] publication. Top Thrill Dragster's records were surpassed in 2005 by ] at ]. '''Top Thrill 2''' is a ] located at ] in ], United States. The ride originally opened as '''Top Thrill Dragster''' in 2003, becoming the {{No wrap|]}} in the world, as well as the first ever ]. Designed by ], the ] ] debuted with a height of {{Convert|420|ft}}, and could accelerate from 0 to {{Convert|120|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in 3.8 seconds. It was themed to ] drag racing, with the launch track designed to resemble a ].<ref>{{cite podcast| url= http://www.coasterradio.com/index.php| title=EPISODE #1824 - TOP THRILL 2: TONY CLARK, MAGIC, AND MYSTERY| website= CoasterRadio.com| publisher=| host=| date=August 3, 2023| time=11:05| access-date=August 7, 2023}}</ref> The ride consistently ranked as one of the world's top steel coasters in ''Amusement Today''{{'}}s annual ] publication. Top Thrill Dragster's records were surpassed in 2005 by ] at ], though that ride's closure in 2024 may allow Top Thrill 2 to briefly{{efn|At the time of Kingda Ka's closure, Top Thrill 2 had only operated for several days before entering an extended closure for repairs. Whether or not it took the height record at this point is debated.}}{{efn|] is expected to open within the next several years, which will be much taller.}} reclaim the height record.


Following a serious incident in 2021, in which a guest was severely injured while standing in line, ] was hired to create a new ride experience while Top Thrill Dragster remained closed. A second {{Convert|420|ft|m|adj=on}} spike tower and two additional launch cycles were added, and the coaster reemerged as Top Thrill 2 in 2024. The updated ride retains the top speed of the original but provides a different riding experience, sending riders forward and backward through three total launches and extending the ride time from 30 seconds to approximately two minutes.<ref name="First Ride - Glaser" /> Following a 2021 incident in which a guest was severely injured while standing in line, Top Thrill Dragster was closed indefinitely before being permanently closed in September 2022. ] was hired to perform extensive modifications to the ride; most notably, a {{Convert|420|ft|m|adj=on}} spike tower was built opposite from the main tower, and Intamin's ] system was removed in favor of an ] swing launch.{{efn|A swing launch involves the train making several passes over the ], accumulating more speed with each pass.}}


The coaster reemerged as Top Thrill 2 on May 4, 2024. The updated ride produces a different riding experience while maintaining the original's top speed, sending riders forward and backward through three total launches. The ride's duration was also extended from 30 seconds to approximately two minutes. After only a week of operation, an issue with the trains was identified, resulting in the closure of Top Thrill 2 while modifications and further testing are being performed. The park intends to reopen the ride in 2025.<ref name="Haidet-2024 Closure"/>
== History == == History ==
=== Development === === Development ===
According to Rob Decker, Vice President of Planning and Design, the park began working on a new project shortly after the debut of ] in 2000.<ref>{{cite news |title=New Cedar Point coaster is a top-speed 'Dragster' |url=https://old.post-gazette.com/ae/20030503coaster0503fnp3.asp |last1=Smith |first1=Matthew |work=Post-Gazette |publisher=PG Publishing Co., Inc |location=Sandusky, Ohio |date=May 3, 2003 |access-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719192716/https://old.post-gazette.com/ae/20030503coaster0503fnp3.asp |url-status=live}}</ref> After the 2001 season ended, a Dodgem ride across from ]'s entrance was relocated to ] to clear the way for the new ride. In April 2002, work began on the concrete foundation.<ref>{{cite web |title=How to Build A Giant Quietly? Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster Media Story |last1=Hyde |first1=Andrew |url=https://cpfoodblog.com/cedar-points-top-thrill-dragster-media-story/ |work=CP Food Blog |publisher=CPFoodBlog and InACents Web Creations, LLC. |access-date=July 19, 2001 |archive-date=March 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313230123/http://cpfoodblog.com/cedar-points-top-thrill-dragster-media-story/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The concrete footings were kept hidden behind a fence when the park opened for the 2002 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/207730/top-thrill-dragster-sandusky-oh-usa |title=Top Thrill Dragster |publisher=emporis.com |access-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719194952/https://www.emporis.com/buildings/207730/top-thrill-dragster-sandusky-oh-usa |url-status=dead}}</ref> In August, an informal announcement from Cedar Point confirmed the park was building a new ride for the 2003 season.<ref name="Announcement-URC"/> Track pieces identified as ] were previously spotted near ].<ref name="Announcement-URC">{{cite web |url=https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/2002/stories/082602_03.shtml |title=Cedar Point To Build Major New Thrill Ride For 2003 Season |publisher=Ultimate Rollercoaster |access-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629150714/https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/2002/stories/082602_03.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref> Vertical construction by ]<ref>{{cite web |title=Intamin |url=http://www.martin-vleminckx.com/mva_web_3_019.htm |publisher=Martin & Vleminckx |access-date=November 16, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131125045107/http://www.martin-vleminckx.com/mva_web_3_019.htm |archive-date=November 25, 2013}}</ref> began in the fall season, months before the formal announcement.<ref name="TV announcement">{{cite AV media |title=Top Thrill Dragster TV announcement |year=2010 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lqmnZnByqA |type=Video |via=YouTube |access-date=July 7, 2012}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links |date=February 2022}}</ref> By October, the roller coaster had reached {{convert|200|ft|m}} in height,<ref name="200 ft support">{{cite news |title=Top Thrill Dragster 200 foot support |publisher=CoasterGallery.com |year=2002 |url=http://www.coastergallery.com/CP/91.html |access-date=July 6, 2012 |archive-date=May 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512012932/http://coastergallery.com/CP/91.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and the highest peak was topped off in December.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schmidt |first1=Walt |title=New ride topped off |url=https://pointbuzz.com/News/Story/142 |publisher=PointBuzz |access-date=February 14, 2021 |date=December 17, 2002}}</ref> To construct the roller coaster, the park used five cranes, two of which were {{convert|480|ft|m|adj=on}} tall. According to Rob Decker, Vice President of Planning and Design, the park began working on a new project shortly after the debut of ] in 2000.<ref>{{cite news |title=New Cedar Point coaster is a top-speed 'Dragster' |url=https://old.post-gazette.com/ae/20030503coaster0503fnp3.asp |last1=Smith |first1=Matthew |work=Post-Gazette |publisher=PG Publishing Co., Inc |location=Sandusky, Ohio |date=May 3, 2003 |access-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719192716/https://old.post-gazette.com/ae/20030503coaster0503fnp3.asp |url-status=live}}</ref> After the 2001 season ended, one of the park's ] rides, which was located across from ]'s entrance, was relocated to ] to clear the way for the new ride. In April 2002, work began on the concrete foundation.<ref>{{cite web |title=How to Build A Giant Quietly? Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster Media Story |last1=Hyde |first1=Andrew |url=https://cpfoodblog.com/cedar-points-top-thrill-dragster-media-story/ |work=CP Food Blog |publisher=CPFoodBlog and InACents Web Creations, LLC. |access-date=July 19, 2001 |archive-date=March 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313230123/http://cpfoodblog.com/cedar-points-top-thrill-dragster-media-story/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The concrete footings were kept hidden behind a fence when the park opened for the 2002 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/207730/top-thrill-dragster-sandusky-oh-usa |title=Top Thrill Dragster |publisher=] |access-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719194952/https://www.emporis.com/buildings/207730/top-thrill-dragster-sandusky-oh-usa |url-status=usurped}}</ref> In August, an informal announcement from Cedar Point confirmed the park was building a new ride for the 2003 season.<ref name="Announcement-URC"/> Track pieces identified as ] were previously spotted near ].<ref name="Announcement-URC">{{cite web |url=https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/2002/stories/082602_03.shtml |title=Cedar Point To Build Major New Thrill Ride For 2003 Season |publisher=Ultimate Rollercoaster |access-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629150714/https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/2002/stories/082602_03.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref> Vertical construction by ]<ref>{{cite web |title=Intamin |url=http://www.martin-vleminckx.com/mva_web_3_019.htm |publisher=Martin & Vleminckx |access-date=November 16, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131125045107/http://www.martin-vleminckx.com/mva_web_3_019.htm |archive-date=November 25, 2013}}</ref> began in the fall season, months before the formal announcement.<ref name="TV announcement">{{cite AV media |title=Top Thrill Dragster TV announcement |year=2010 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lqmnZnByqA |type=Video |via=YouTube |access-date=July 7, 2012}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links |date=February 2022}}</ref> By October, the roller coaster had reached {{convert|200|ft|m}} in height,<ref name="200 ft support">{{cite news |title=Top Thrill Dragster 200 foot support |publisher=CoasterGallery.com |year=2002 |url=http://www.coastergallery.com/CP/91.html |access-date=July 6, 2012 |archive-date=May 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512012932/http://coastergallery.com/CP/91.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and the highest peak was topped off in December.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schmidt |first1=Walt |title=New ride topped off |url=https://pointbuzz.com/News/Story/142 |publisher=PointBuzz |access-date=February 14, 2021 |date=December 17, 2002}}</ref> To construct the roller coaster, the park used five cranes, two of which were {{convert|480|ft|m|adj=on}} tall.


At the time, only four such cranes in the United States were tall enough to handle construction of the 420-foot tower section.<ref>{{cite web |title=The coaster with the moster |url=https://www.machinedesign.com/archive/article/21812265/the-coaster-with-the-moster |last1=Higgins |first1=Amy |date=May 8, 2003 |work=Machine Design |access-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719200136/https://www.machinedesign.com/archive/article/21812265/the-coaster-with-the-moster |url-status=live}}</ref> An official announcement revealing details on the new ride was made the following month on January 9, 2003.<ref name="TV announcement"/> Officials for the park stated the goal was to build "the tallest and fastest roller coaster on earth", reaching {{convert|420|ft|m}} in height and accelerating up to {{convert|120|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in 4 seconds. The large investment tied it with Millennium Force as being the most expensive in park history.<ref name="TV announcement"/> The structure was built by Intamin's subcontractor Stakotra.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.stakotra.sk/dragster.html |title=Stakotra<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=April 8, 2014 |archive-date=April 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409020659/http://www.stakotra.sk/dragster.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> In March, ] registered a trademark for the name "Top Thrill Dragster".<ref name="trademark">{{cite news |title=Top Thrill Dragster Trademark |url=http://www.trademarkia.com/top-thrill-dragster-76496254.html |publisher=Legal Force |access-date=July 16, 2012 |archive-date=October 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027234728/http://www.trademarkia.com/top-thrill-dragster-76496254.html |url-status=live}}</ref> At the time, only four such cranes in the United States were tall enough to handle construction of the 420-foot tower section.<ref>{{cite web |title=The coaster with the moster |url=https://www.machinedesign.com/archive/article/21812265/the-coaster-with-the-moster |last1=Higgins |first1=Amy |date=May 8, 2003 |work=Machine Design |access-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719200136/https://www.machinedesign.com/archive/article/21812265/the-coaster-with-the-moster |url-status=live}}</ref> An official announcement revealing details on the new ride was made the following month on January 9, 2003.<ref name="TV announcement"/> Officials for the park stated the goal was to build "the tallest and fastest roller coaster on earth", reaching {{convert|420|ft|m}} in height and accelerating up to {{convert|120|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in 4 seconds. The large investment tied it with Millennium Force as being the most expensive in park history.<ref name="TV announcement"/> The structure was built by Intamin's subcontractor Stakotra.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.stakotra.sk/dragster.html |title=Stakotra<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=April 8, 2014 |archive-date=April 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409020659/http://www.stakotra.sk/dragster.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> In March, ] registered a trademark for the name "Top Thrill Dragster".<ref name="trademark">{{cite news |title=Top Thrill Dragster Trademark |url=http://www.trademarkia.com/top-thrill-dragster-76496254.html |publisher=Legal Force |access-date=July 16, 2012 |archive-date=October 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027234728/http://www.trademarkia.com/top-thrill-dragster-76496254.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
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Top Thrill Dragster's media day was held on May 1, 2003,<ref name="PB history">{{cite web |title=PointBuzz history |url=http://pointbuzz.com/c/history.aspx |publisher=PointBuzz |access-date=October 21, 2012 |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023081858/http://pointbuzz.com/c/history.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> and it officially opened to the public three days later.<ref name="RCDB">{{Cite RCDB |coaster_name=Top Thrill Dragster |location=Cedar Point |rcdb_number=1896 |access-date=October 21, 2012}}</ref> It became the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world, overtaking the height record from ] at ], built three years earlier, and the speed record from ] at ], which opened in late 2001. It lost both records to ] at ] in May 2005.<ref name="TTD records" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Top Thrill Dragster: Race for the Sky {{!}} Cedar Point |url=https://www.cedarpoint.com/play/rides/top-thrill-dragster |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006213819/https://www.cedarpoint.com/play/rides/top-thrill-dragster |archive-date=October 6, 2017 |access-date=November 27, 2017 |website=www.cedarpoint.com}}</ref> ] designed both Kingda Ka and Top Thrill Dragster, and the two share a similar design and layout that differs primarily by theme and an additional hill featured on Kingda Ka.<ref name="comparison">{{cite web |url=http://www.thecoastercritic.com/2007/07/top-thrill-dragster-vs-kingda-ka-roller.html |title=Kingda Ka vs. Top Thrill Dragster |publisher=thecoastercritic.com |date=July 18, 2007 |access-date=June 8, 2012 |archive-date=November 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122213141/http://www.thecoastercritic.com/2007/07/top-thrill-dragster-vs-kingda-ka-roller.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly after it opened, a faulty valve on the hydraulic system caused a short-term closure.<ref name="2004 incident"/> The ride continued to experience a variety of issues dealing with its hydraulic system and launch cable, which frequently led to downtime early on in its tenure.<ref name="2004 incident"/> Top Thrill Dragster's media day was held on May 1, 2003,<ref name="PB history">{{cite web |title=PointBuzz history |url=http://pointbuzz.com/c/history.aspx |publisher=PointBuzz |access-date=October 21, 2012 |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023081858/http://pointbuzz.com/c/history.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> and it officially opened to the public three days later.<ref name="RCDB">{{Cite RCDB |coaster_name=Top Thrill Dragster |location=Cedar Point |rcdb_number=1896 |access-date=October 21, 2012}}</ref> It became the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world, overtaking the height record from ] at ], built three years earlier, and the speed record from ] at ], which opened in late 2001. It lost both records to ] at ] in May 2005.<ref name="TTD records" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Top Thrill Dragster: Race for the Sky {{!}} Cedar Point |url=https://www.cedarpoint.com/play/rides/top-thrill-dragster |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006213819/https://www.cedarpoint.com/play/rides/top-thrill-dragster |archive-date=October 6, 2017 |access-date=November 27, 2017 |website=www.cedarpoint.com}}</ref> ] designed both Kingda Ka and Top Thrill Dragster, and the two share a similar design and layout that differs primarily by theme and an additional hill featured on Kingda Ka.<ref name="comparison">{{cite web |url=http://www.thecoastercritic.com/2007/07/top-thrill-dragster-vs-kingda-ka-roller.html |title=Kingda Ka vs. Top Thrill Dragster |publisher=thecoastercritic.com |date=July 18, 2007 |access-date=June 8, 2012 |archive-date=November 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122213141/http://www.thecoastercritic.com/2007/07/top-thrill-dragster-vs-kingda-ka-roller.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly after it opened, a faulty valve on the hydraulic system caused a short-term closure.<ref name="2004 incident"/> The ride continued to experience a variety of issues dealing with its hydraulic system and launch cable, which frequently led to downtime early on in its tenure.<ref name="2004 incident"/>


During the 2017 season's opening weekend, Cedar Point temporarily renamed the ride "Top Thrill Cubster", referencing a lost wager with ] over the ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2017/05/cedar_point_makes_good_on_its.html |title=Cedar Point makes good on its bet with 'Top Thrill Cubster' in honor of Chicago Cubs' World Series win over Indians (Video) |date=May 6, 2017 |access-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827191443/https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2017/05/cedar_point_makes_good_on_its.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020 during the ], timed boarding passes called "Access Passes" were used temporarily to comply with ] guidelines.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2020/07/cedar-point-opening-day-preview-face-masks-social-distancing-halloweekends-and-more.html |title=Cedar Point opening day preview: Face masks, social distancing, HalloWeekends and more |last1=Glaser |first1=Susan |date=July 8, 2020 |website=cleveland.com |access-date=July 20, 2020 |archive-date=July 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722025207/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2020/07/cedar-point-opening-day-preview-face-masks-social-distancing-halloweekends-and-more.html |url-status=live}}</ref> During the 2017 season's opening weekend, Cedar Point temporarily renamed the ride "Top Thrill Cubster", referencing a lost wager with ] over the ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2017/05/cedar_point_makes_good_on_its.html |title=Cedar Point makes good on its bet with 'Top Thrill Cubster' in honor of Chicago Cubs' World Series win over Indians (Video) |date=May 6, 2017 |access-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827191443/https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2017/05/cedar_point_makes_good_on_its.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020 during the ], timed boarding passes called "Access Passes" were used temporarily to comply with ] guidelines.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2020/07/cedar-point-opening-day-preview-face-masks-social-distancing-halloweekends-and-more.html |title=Cedar Point opening day preview: Face masks, social distancing, HalloWeekends and more |last1=Glaser |first1=Susan |date=July 8, 2020 |website=cleveland.com |access-date=July 20, 2020 |archive-date=July 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722025207/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2020/07/cedar-point-opening-day-preview-face-masks-social-distancing-halloweekends-and-more.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Craft | first=Kevin | title=Cedar Point's Top Thrill 2 will not reopen this year | website=ABC 12 WJRT-TV | date=August 23, 2024 | url=https://www.abc12.com/news/business/cedar-points-top-thrill-2-will-not-reopen-this-year/article_3d011d00-6198-11ef-8197-2ff08b01ca5a.html | access-date=September 30, 2024}}</ref>


=== Closure and modification === === Closure and modification ===
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At the time of its closure, Top Thrill Dragster had accommodated 18&nbsp;million riders over 19 seasons.<ref name="CBS News 2022">{{cite web |title=Cedar Point permanently closing Top Thrill Dragster, world's second-tallest roller coaster |website=CBS News |date=September 6, 2022 |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/cedar-point-permanently-closing-top-thrill-dragster/ |access-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906163346/https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/cedar-point-permanently-closing-top-thrill-dragster/ |url-status=live}}</ref> An update was released on social media in September 2022 stating, "Top Thrill Dragster, as you know it, is being retired."<ref name="closing">{{Cite web |url=https://sanduskyregister.com/news/406197/top-thrill-dragster-being-retired/ |title=Top Thrill Dragster being 'retired' |website=sanduskyregister.com |access-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906144740/https://sanduskyregister.com/news/406197/top-thrill-dragster-being-retired/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Organ 2022"/> Officials provided limited details but confirmed that the roller coaster would reopen as a "new and reimagined ride experience".<ref name="Organ 2022">{{cite web |last1=Organ |first1=Aaron |title=Cedar Point to retire Top Thrill Dragster |website=WANE 15 |date=September 6, 2022 |url=https://www.wane.com/entertainment-news/cedar-point-to-retire-top-thrill-dragster/ |access-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906152121/https://www.wane.com/entertainment-news/cedar-point-to-retire-top-thrill-dragster/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Addeo2022">{{cite news |last1=Addeo |first1=Brandon |title=Top Thrill Dragster closed for 2022 season |url=https://sanduskyregister.com/news/371622/top-thrill-dragster-closed-for-2022-season/ |access-date=February 21, 2022 |publisher=] |date=February 18, 2022 |archive-date=February 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221195524/https://sanduskyregister.com/news/371622/top-thrill-dragster-closed-for-2022-season/ |url-status=live}}</ref> A portion of the roller coaster's track near the station was dismantled in late 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Webb |first=Craig |date=November 10, 2022 |title=Cedar Point's newest coaster starting to take shape along the Lake Erie shoreline |url=https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/entertainment/2022/11/10/cedar-point-newest-coaster-wild-mouse-takes-shape-lake-erie/69637300007/ |access-date=November 13, 2022 |website=Akron Beacon Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> In January 2023, the park released the tagline "A New Formula For Thrills" on social media to describe the planned modifications.<ref name="Haidet 2023">{{cite web |last=Haidet |first=Ryan |date=January 9, 2023 |title=Cedar Point gives update on future of Top Thrill Dragster: 'New formula of thrills' |url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/entertainment/places/cedar-point/cedar-point-top-thrill-dragster-roller-coaster-2024-new-formula-for-thrills-teaser-video/95-93692a92-35aa-4d3d-93b9-ca7405804282 |access-date=January 9, 2023 |website=wkyc.com}}</ref> At the time of its closure, Top Thrill Dragster had accommodated 18&nbsp;million riders over 19 seasons.<ref name="CBS News 2022">{{cite web |title=Cedar Point permanently closing Top Thrill Dragster, world's second-tallest roller coaster |website=CBS News |date=September 6, 2022 |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/cedar-point-permanently-closing-top-thrill-dragster/ |access-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906163346/https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/cedar-point-permanently-closing-top-thrill-dragster/ |url-status=live}}</ref> An update was released on social media in September 2022 stating, "Top Thrill Dragster, as you know it, is being retired."<ref name="closing">{{Cite web |url=https://sanduskyregister.com/news/406197/top-thrill-dragster-being-retired/ |title=Top Thrill Dragster being 'retired' |website=sanduskyregister.com |access-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906144740/https://sanduskyregister.com/news/406197/top-thrill-dragster-being-retired/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Organ 2022"/> Officials provided limited details but confirmed that the roller coaster would reopen as a "new and reimagined ride experience".<ref name="Organ 2022">{{cite web |last1=Organ |first1=Aaron |title=Cedar Point to retire Top Thrill Dragster |website=WANE 15 |date=September 6, 2022 |url=https://www.wane.com/entertainment-news/cedar-point-to-retire-top-thrill-dragster/ |access-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906152121/https://www.wane.com/entertainment-news/cedar-point-to-retire-top-thrill-dragster/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Addeo2022">{{cite news |last1=Addeo |first1=Brandon |title=Top Thrill Dragster closed for 2022 season |url=https://sanduskyregister.com/news/371622/top-thrill-dragster-closed-for-2022-season/ |access-date=February 21, 2022 |publisher=] |date=February 18, 2022 |archive-date=February 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221195524/https://sanduskyregister.com/news/371622/top-thrill-dragster-closed-for-2022-season/ |url-status=live}}</ref> A portion of the roller coaster's track near the station was dismantled in late 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Webb |first=Craig |date=November 10, 2022 |title=Cedar Point's newest coaster starting to take shape along the Lake Erie shoreline |url=https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/entertainment/2022/11/10/cedar-point-newest-coaster-wild-mouse-takes-shape-lake-erie/69637300007/ |access-date=November 13, 2022 |website=Akron Beacon Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> In January 2023, the park released the tagline "A New Formula For Thrills" on social media to describe the planned modifications.<ref name="Haidet 2023">{{cite web |last=Haidet |first=Ryan |date=January 9, 2023 |title=Cedar Point gives update on future of Top Thrill Dragster: 'New formula of thrills' |url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/entertainment/places/cedar-point/cedar-point-top-thrill-dragster-roller-coaster-2024-new-formula-for-thrills-teaser-video/95-93692a92-35aa-4d3d-93b9-ca7405804282 |access-date=January 9, 2023 |website=wkyc.com}}</ref>


There was speculation that Top Thrill Dragster's launch system would be replaced.<ref>{{cite web | last=Glaser | first=Susan | title=What’s happening to Top Thrill Dragster? Cedar Point won’t say, but observers believe new launch system is likely for troubled coaster | website=cleveland | date=September 23, 2022 | url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2022/09/whats-happening-to-top-thrill-dragster-cedar-point-wont-say-but-observers-believe-new-launch-system-is-likely.html | access-date=September 25, 2022}}</ref> In August 2023, the speculation was confirmed after Cedar Point announced plans to transform Top Thrill Dragster into a triple-launched roller coaster using ]s.<ref name="TT2-Glaser" /> The modified coaster was to reopen as Top Thrill 2.<ref name="TT2-Glaser">{{cite news |last1=Glaser |first1=Susan |title=Cedar Point’s Top Thrill 2 will replace Top Thrill Dragster coaster, with second 420-foot tower and 120 mph top speed |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2023/08/cedar-point-announces-top-thrill-2-will-replace-top-thrill-dragster-coaster-with-second-420-foot-tower-and-120-mph-top-speed.html |access-date=August 1, 2023 |publisher=Cleveland.com |date=August 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801164749/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2023/08/cedar-point-announces-top-thrill-2-will-replace-top-thrill-dragster-coaster-with-second-420-foot-tower-and-120-mph-top-speed.html |archive-date=August 1, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="WXYZ 7 Action News Detroit 2023 s233">{{cite web |date=August 1, 2023 |title=Cedar Point announces 'Top Thrill 2' on the site of former Top Thrill Dragster |url=https://www.wxyz.com/news/cedar-point-announces-top-thrill-2-on-the-site-of-former-top-thrill-dragster |access-date=August 2, 2023 |website=WXYZ 7 Action News Detroit}}</ref> ], hired to redesign the ride, reused the existing {{convert|420|ft|m|adj=on}} "]" and added an equally-sized vertical spike at the opposite end of the track.<ref name="TT2-Glaser" /><ref name="TT2-Webb">{{Cite web |last=Webb |first=Craig |date=August 1, 2023 |title=Top Thrill 2! What we know about Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster announcement |url=https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2023/07/31/top-thrill-2-dragster-cedar-point-news-announcement-updates-new-roller-coaster/70500679007/ |access-date=August 1, 2023 |website=Akron Beacon Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> While the maximum height and speed remained the same, the track length increased to {{Convert|3422|ft}}.<ref name="TT2-Glaser" /> The vertical spike ] during early December 2023,<ref name="Lofton 2023 n397">{{cite web | last=Lofton | first=Justine | title=420-foot ‘vertical spike tower’ completed on Cedar Point’s new Top Thrill 2 | website=mlive | date=December 4, 2023 | url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2023/12/420-foot-vertical-spike-tower-completed-on-cedar-points-new-top-thrill-2.html?outputType=amp | access-date=December 5, 2023}}</ref> and testing took place during early 2024.<ref name="WXYZ 7 News Detroit 2024 f711">{{cite web |date=March 21, 2024 |title=VIDEO: See Cedar Point testing Top Thrill 2 ahead of May opening day |url=https://www.wxyz.com/news/cedar-point-resumes-testing-of-top-thrill-2-ahead-of-may-opening-day |access-date=April 27, 2024 |website=WXYZ 7 News Detroit}}</ref> There was speculation that Top Thrill Dragster's ] system would be replaced.<ref>{{cite web | last=Glaser | first=Susan | title=What's happening to Top Thrill Dragster? Cedar Point won't say, but observers believe new launch system is likely for troubled coaster | website=cleveland | date=September 23, 2022 | url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2022/09/whats-happening-to-top-thrill-dragster-cedar-point-wont-say-but-observers-believe-new-launch-system-is-likely.html | access-date=September 25, 2022}}</ref> In August 2023, the speculation was confirmed after Cedar Point announced plans to transform Top Thrill Dragster into a triple-launched roller coaster using ]s.<ref name="TT2-Glaser" /> The modified coaster was to reopen as Top Thrill 2.<ref name="TT2-Glaser">{{cite news |last1=Glaser |first1=Susan |title=Cedar Point's Top Thrill 2 will replace Top Thrill Dragster coaster, with second 420-foot tower and 120 mph top speed |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2023/08/cedar-point-announces-top-thrill-2-will-replace-top-thrill-dragster-coaster-with-second-420-foot-tower-and-120-mph-top-speed.html |access-date=August 1, 2023 |publisher=Cleveland.com |date=August 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801164749/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2023/08/cedar-point-announces-top-thrill-2-will-replace-top-thrill-dragster-coaster-with-second-420-foot-tower-and-120-mph-top-speed.html |archive-date=August 1, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="WXYZ 7 Action News Detroit 2023 s233">{{cite web |date=August 1, 2023 |title=Cedar Point announces 'Top Thrill 2' on the site of former Top Thrill Dragster |url=https://www.wxyz.com/news/cedar-point-announces-top-thrill-2-on-the-site-of-former-top-thrill-dragster |access-date=August 2, 2023 |website=WXYZ 7 Action News Detroit}}</ref> ], hired to redesign the ride, reused the existing {{convert|420|ft|m|adj=on}} "]" and added an equally-sized vertical spike at the opposite end of the track.<ref name="TT2-Glaser" /><ref name="TT2-Webb">{{Cite web |last=Webb |first=Craig |date=August 1, 2023 |title=Top Thrill 2! What we know about Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster announcement |url=https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2023/07/31/top-thrill-2-dragster-cedar-point-news-announcement-updates-new-roller-coaster/70500679007/ |access-date=August 1, 2023 |website=Akron Beacon Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> While the maximum height and speed remained the same, the track length increased to {{Convert|3422|ft}}.<ref name="TT2-Glaser" /> The vertical spike ] during early December 2023,<ref name="Lofton 2023 n397">{{cite web | last=Lofton | first=Justine | title=420-foot 'vertical spike tower' completed on Cedar Point's new Top Thrill 2 | website=mlive | date=December 4, 2023 | url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2023/12/420-foot-vertical-spike-tower-completed-on-cedar-points-new-top-thrill-2.html?outputType=amp | access-date=December 5, 2023}}</ref> and testing took place during early 2024.<ref name="WXYZ 7 News Detroit 2024 f711">{{cite web |date=March 21, 2024 |title=VIDEO: See Cedar Point testing Top Thrill 2 ahead of May opening day |url=https://www.wxyz.com/news/cedar-point-resumes-testing-of-top-thrill-2-ahead-of-may-opening-day |access-date=April 27, 2024 |website=WXYZ 7 News Detroit}}</ref>
]


===Reopening=== ===Brief reopening===
Following the completion of construction and testing, Cedar Point held a ] media day event on April 25, 2024.<ref name="First Ride - Glaser">{{cite web |last1=Glaser |first1=Susan |title=First ride: Flying high on Top Thrill 2, Cedar Point's newest adrenaline rush |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2024/04/first-ride-flying-high-on-top-thrill-2-cedar-points-newest-adrenaline-rush-photos-video.html |website=Cleveland.com |access-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426125034/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2024/04/first-ride-flying-high-on-top-thrill-2-cedar-points-newest-adrenaline-rush-photos-video.html |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |date=April 25, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Houmard Unger Celeste Houmard 2024 r593">{{cite web | last=Houmard | first=Celeste | last2=Unger | first2=Jordan | title=WATCH: Fox 8 News rides Cedar Point’s Top Thrill 2! | website=Fox 8 Cleveland WJW | date=April 25, 2024 | url=https://fox8.com/news/watch-fox-8-news-rides-the-top-thrill-2/ | access-date=April 27, 2024}}</ref> The ride was officially opened on May 4, 2024.<ref name="Hartpence s242">{{cite web |last=Hartpence |first=Alivia |date=May 4, 2024 |title=Cedar Point officially opens for the summer, unveiling new coaster |url=https://www.13abc.com/2024/05/04/cedar-point-officially-opens-summer-today-introducing-new-coaster/ |access-date=May 9, 2024 |website=13ABC}}</ref><ref name="Taylor m148">{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Blake |date=May 4, 2024 |title=Top Thrill 2 now open at Cedar Point |url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/top-thrill-2-cedar-point-now-open/ |access-date=May 9, 2024 |website=Attractions Magazine}}</ref> A short time later on May 12, Cedar Point announced that there would be an "extended closure" of Top Thrill 2 while the ride's trains were modified.<ref name="WTOL 2024 y948">{{cite web | title=Top Thrill 2 to close for extended period, Cedar Point says | website=wtol.com | date=May 6, 2024 | url=https://www.wtol.com/article/entertainment/places/cedar-point/top-thrill-2-closure-extended-reason-cedar-point-sandusky-ohio-local-news/512-3fee61c9-f1e6-46dd-a2cf-282622699c49 | access-date=May 12, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Kiska 2024 t007">{{cite web | last=Kiska | first=Paul | title=Just in: Top Thrill 2 closed at Cedar Point | website=Fox 8 Cleveland WJW | date=May 12, 2024 | url=https://fox8.com/news/just-in-top-thrill-2-closed-at-cedar-point/ | access-date=May 12, 2024}}</ref> Following the completion of construction and testing, Cedar Point held a ] media day event on April 25, 2024.<ref name="First Ride - Glaser">{{cite web |last1=Glaser |first1=Susan |title=First ride: Flying high on Top Thrill 2, Cedar Point's newest adrenaline rush |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2024/04/first-ride-flying-high-on-top-thrill-2-cedar-points-newest-adrenaline-rush-photos-video.html |website=Cleveland.com |access-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426125034/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2024/04/first-ride-flying-high-on-top-thrill-2-cedar-points-newest-adrenaline-rush-photos-video.html |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |date=April 25, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Houmard Unger Celeste Houmard 2024 r593">{{cite web | last1=Houmard | first1=Celeste | last2=Unger | first2=Jordan | title=WATCH: Fox 8 News rides Cedar Point's Top Thrill 2! | website=Fox 8 Cleveland WJW | date=April 25, 2024 | url=https://fox8.com/news/watch-fox-8-news-rides-the-top-thrill-2/ | access-date=April 27, 2024}}</ref> The ride was officially opened on May 4, 2024.<ref name="Hartpence s242">{{cite web |last=Hartpence |first=Alivia |date=May 4, 2024 |title=Cedar Point officially opens for the summer, unveiling new coaster |url=https://www.13abc.com/2024/05/04/cedar-point-officially-opens-summer-today-introducing-new-coaster/ |access-date=May 9, 2024 |website=13ABC}}</ref><ref name="Taylor m148">{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Blake |date=May 4, 2024 |title=Top Thrill 2 now open at Cedar Point |url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/top-thrill-2-cedar-point-now-open/ |access-date=May 9, 2024 |website=Attractions Magazine}}</ref>
A short time later on May 12, Cedar Point announced that there would be an "extended closure" of Top Thrill 2 while the ride's trains were modified.<ref name="WTOL 2024 y948">{{cite web | title=Top Thrill 2 to close for extended period, Cedar Point says | website=wtol.com | date=May 6, 2024 | url=https://www.wtol.com/article/entertainment/places/cedar-point/top-thrill-2-closure-extended-reason-cedar-point-sandusky-ohio-local-news/512-3fee61c9-f1e6-46dd-a2cf-282622699c49 | access-date=May 12, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Kiska 2024 t007">{{cite web | last=Kiska | first=Paul | title=Just in: Top Thrill 2 closed at Cedar Point | website=Fox 8 Cleveland WJW | date=May 12, 2024 | url=https://fox8.com/news/just-in-top-thrill-2-closed-at-cedar-point/ | access-date=May 12, 2024}}</ref> The ride remained closed indefinitely through months of speculation and sporadic testing. On August 23, 2024, the park announced that Top Thrill 2 would not reopen for the remainder of the season, but that work would continue with the goal of reopening the ride in 2025.<ref name="Haidet-2024 Closure">{{cite web |last1=Haidet |first1=Ryan |title=Cedar Point announces Top Thrill 2 roller coaster will stay closed for remainder of 2024 season: 'We are extremely disappointed' |url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/entertainment/places/cedar-point/cedar-point-top-thrill-2-update-roller-coaster-closed-2024-season-update-zamperla-park-statement/95-43c61852-f3b5-47ae-8e67-a880681ec20f |website=wkyc.com |date=August 23, 2024}}</ref>


== Ride experience == == Ride experience ==
=== Layout === === Layout ===
==== As Top Thrill Dragster ==== ==== As Top Thrill Dragster ====
]
After leaving the ], the ] entered the launch area. To the left of the launch area was a "]" light, similar to those employed at the starting line of a ]. A brief message was played to the riders before the launch: "Keep arms down, head back, and hold on." Once the train was prepared to launch, a motor revving sound effect was played and its ] were lowered from the launch track. It then launched, accelerating to a speed of {{convert|120|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} in 3.8 seconds. Shortly after reaching its maximum velocity, the catch car disengaged, and the train began its ascent up a 90-degree incline, twisting 90 degrees clockwise before climbing over the {{convert|420|ft|m|adj=on}} ]. Upon descending, the track twisted 270 degrees before leveling out, allowing the train to be stopped by the magnetic brakes.<ref name="POV">{{cite AV media |author=CoasterForce |title=Top Thrill Dragster POV |year=2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvZDEEcOoCQ |access-date=November 13, 2022 |type=Video |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref name="RCDB"/> After leaving the ], the ] entered the launch area. To the left of the launch area was a "]" light, similar to those employed at the starting line of a ]. A brief message was played to the riders before the launch: "Keep arms down, head back, and hold on." Once the train was prepared to launch, a motor revving sound effect was played and its ] were lowered from the launch track. It then launched, accelerating to a speed of {{convert|120|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} in 3.8 seconds. Shortly after reaching its maximum velocity, the catch car disengaged, and the train began its ascent up a 90-degree incline, twisting 90 degrees clockwise before climbing over the {{convert|420|ft|m|adj=on}} ]. Upon descending, the track twisted 270 degrees before leveling out, allowing the train to be stopped by the magnetic brakes.<ref name="POV">{{cite AV media |author=CoasterForce |title=Top Thrill Dragster POV |year=2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvZDEEcOoCQ |access-date=November 13, 2022 |type=Video |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref name="RCDB"/>


====As Top Thrill 2==== ====As Top Thrill 2====
]
After leaving the station, the train passes through a switch and makes an S-turn to the right to join the launch track. To the left of the launch area is a modified version of the original "]" light. As soon as the switch changes positions behind the train, the train is launched forward towards the original top hat at {{convert|74|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, rolling backward partway up the tower. Reaching the launch track again, the train is launched in reverse at {{convert|101|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, past the station, and up a {{convert|420|ft|m|adj=on}} vertical spike in reverse, crossing over ] in the process. Rolling forward onto the launch track once again, the station roof creates a ] and the train is accelerated to {{convert|120|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} to crest the top hat. After descending the 270 degree spiral drop, the train hits the brake run, while the switch track is reset to allow another train to launch.<ref name="Zamperla Announcement">{{cite web |url=https://www.zamperla.com/coaster/zamperla-reimagines-top-thrill-2/ |title=Zamperla partners with Cedar Point on Top Thrill 2 |publisher=Zamperla |date=2023-08-01 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904212805/https://www.zamperla.com/coaster/zamperla-reimagines-top-thrill-2/ |archivedate=2023-09-04 |accessdate=2023-11-13 }}</ref> After leaving the station, the train passes through a switch and makes an S-turn to the right to join the launch track. To the left of the launch area is a modified version of the original "]" light. As soon as the switch changes positions behind the train, the train is launched forward towards the original top hat at {{convert|74|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, rolling backward partway up the tower. Reaching the launch track again, the train is launched in reverse at {{convert|101|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, past the station, and up a {{convert|420|ft|m|adj=on}} vertical spike in reverse, crossing over ] in the process. Rolling forward onto the launch track once again, the station roof creates a ] and the train is accelerated to {{convert|120|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} to crest the top hat. After descending the 270 degree spiral drop, the train hits the brake run, while the switch track is reset to allow another train to launch.<ref name="Zamperla Announcement">{{cite web |url=https://www.zamperla.com/coaster/zamperla-reimagines-top-thrill-2/ |title=Zamperla partners with Cedar Point on Top Thrill 2 |publisher=Zamperla |date=2023-08-01 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904212805/https://www.zamperla.com/coaster/zamperla-reimagines-top-thrill-2/ |archivedate=2023-09-04 |accessdate=2023-11-13 }}</ref>


Line 98: Line 102:
====As Top Thrill 2 ==== ====As Top Thrill 2 ====
As Top Thrill 2, the theme was modified to be a more general racing theme.<ref name="Cedar Point Top Thrill 2 Ride Page"> As Top Thrill 2, the theme was modified to be a more general racing theme.<ref name="Cedar Point Top Thrill 2 Ride Page">
{{cite web |url=https://www.cedarpoint.com/new-in-2024 |title=Top Thrill 2 The World’s Tallest & Fastest Triple-Launch Strata Coaster |publisher=Cedar Point |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111025422/https://www.cedarpoint.com/new-in-2024 |archivedate=2023-11-11 |accessdate=2023-11-13 }}</ref> The ride area, as well as the trains, are decorated with a stylized logo of "CP Racing." The redesigned ride runs three 5-car trains supplied by Zamperla, holding 20 people per train.<ref name = "Zamperla Announcement" /> The trains are of Zamperla's Lightning model, which is notable for using a milled aluminum chassis and carbon fiber bodywork.<ref name="Sandusky Register Showed off at trade show this week v164">{{cite web |last=Helbig |first=Don |date=Nov 15, 2023 |title=Top Thrill 2 trains unveiled |url=https://sanduskyregister.com/news/490480/top-thrill-2-trains-unveiled/ |access-date=April 27, 2024 |website=Sandusky Register}}</ref> For safety, riders can not bring loose items onto the ride, and metal detectors are installed at the beginning of the queue.<ref name="Holden 2024 k663">{{cite web |last=Holden |first=Mike |date=April 25, 2024 |title=No free lockers, flip flops or loose items. Here are the new safety guidelines for Cedar Point's Top Thrill 2 |url=https://www.news5cleveland.com/entertainment/cedar-point/no-free-lockers-flip-flops-or-loose-items-here-are-the-new-safety-guidelines-for-cedar-points-top-thrill-2 |access-date=April 27, 2024 |website=News 5 Cleveland WEWS}}</ref> {{cite web |url=https://www.cedarpoint.com/new-in-2024 |title=Top Thrill 2 The World's Tallest & Fastest Triple-Launch Strata Coaster |publisher=Cedar Point |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111025422/https://www.cedarpoint.com/new-in-2024 |archivedate=2023-11-11 |accessdate=2023-11-13 }}</ref> The ride area, as well as the trains, are decorated with a stylized logo of "CP Racing." The redesigned ride runs three 5-car trains supplied by Zamperla, holding 20 people per train.<ref name = "Zamperla Announcement" /> The trains are of Zamperla's Lightning model, which is notable for using a milled aluminum chassis and carbon fiber bodywork.<ref name="Sandusky Register Showed off at trade show this week v164">{{cite web |last=Helbig |first=Don |date=Nov 15, 2023 |title=Top Thrill 2 trains unveiled |url=https://sanduskyregister.com/news/490480/top-thrill-2-trains-unveiled/ |access-date=April 27, 2024 |website=Sandusky Register}}</ref> For safety, riders can not bring loose items onto the ride, and metal detectors are installed at the beginning of the queue.<ref name="Holden 2024 k663">{{cite web |last=Holden |first=Mike |date=April 25, 2024 |title=No free lockers, flip flops or loose items. Here are the new safety guidelines for Cedar Point's Top Thrill 2 |url=https://www.news5cleveland.com/entertainment/cedar-point/no-free-lockers-flip-flops-or-loose-items-here-are-the-new-safety-guidelines-for-cedar-points-top-thrill-2 |access-date=April 27, 2024 |website=News 5 Cleveland WEWS}}</ref>


As part of the refurbishment, the ride was repainted to have white track and dark grey supports, with the highest points on both the spike and top hat towers being accented with red sections alternating with white sections.<ref name="Zamperla Announcement"/> As part of the refurbishment, the ride was repainted to have white track and dark grey supports, with the highest points on both the spike and top hat towers being accented with red sections alternating with white sections.<ref name="Zamperla Announcement"/>


=== Rollbacks === === Rollbacks ===
As Top Thrill Dragster, occasionally a train would launch without sufficient speed to reach the top of the tower and roll back onto the launch track, hence the term "]". This typically happened in cool, wet, or breezy weather, or when the wind was working against it. The launch track was equipped with retractable magnetic brake fins, which were raised after each launch to slow the train down in case it did not reach the top of the tower.<ref name="rollback review">{{cite news |title=Top Thrill Dragster rollback review |publisher=Thrill Network |url=http://ptreport.thrillnetwork.net/reviews/ttd.htm |access-date=July 6, 2012 |archive-date=September 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901132317/http://ptreport.thrillnetwork.net/reviews/ttd.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref> Occasionally a train will launch without sufficient speed to reach the top of the tower and roll back onto the launch track, hence the term "]". This typically happens in cool, wet, or breezy weather, or when the wind is significantly working against it. As Top Thrill Dragster, the launch track was equipped with retractable magnetic brake fins, which were raised after each launch to slow the train down in case it did not reach the top of the tower.<ref name="rollback review">{{cite news |title=Top Thrill Dragster rollback review |publisher=Thrill Network |url=http://ptreport.thrillnetwork.net/reviews/ttd.htm |access-date=July 6, 2012 |archive-date=September 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901132317/http://ptreport.thrillnetwork.net/reviews/ttd.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref> As Top Thrill 2, the ] Launch fins also function as braking fins to slow the train down.


On very rare occasions, a combination of the weight distribution of the train, the force of the launch, and the wind could stall a train on top of the tower. When this happened, a mechanic took the elevator to the top and pushed the train down the hill.<ref name="elevator">{{cite news |title=Top Thrill Dragster elevator |publisher=CoasterGallery.com |year=2008 |url=http://www.coastergallery.com/CP/101.html |access-date=July 6, 2012 |archive-date=May 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512014227/http://coastergallery.com/CP/101.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/fun/blog/index.cfm?entry=48a5a061-f8d7-4e18-b733-8eaec1685b30|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081031063607/http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/fun/blog/index.cfm?entry=48a5a061-f8d7-4e18-b733-8eaec1685b30|archivedate=October 31, 2008|title=Top Thrill Dragster stuck October 31, 2008 |date= October 31, 2008|accessdate=July 6, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/fun/blog/index.cfm?entry=546e3519-1f9c-4d11-a74b-e3e2251f419b |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529142625/http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/fun/blog/index.cfm?entry=546e3519-1f9c-4d11-a74b-e3e2251f419b|archivedate=May 29, 2009|title=Top Thrill Dragster stuck May 25, 2009 |date= May 25, 2009|accessdate=July 6, 2012}}</ref> On very rare occasions, a combination of the weight distribution of the train, the force of the launch, and the wind could stall a train on top of the tower. When this happened, a mechanic took the elevator to the top and pushed the train down the hill.<ref name="elevator">{{cite news |title=Top Thrill Dragster elevator |publisher=CoasterGallery.com |year=2008 |url=http://www.coastergallery.com/CP/101.html |access-date=July 6, 2012 |archive-date=May 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512014227/http://coastergallery.com/CP/101.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/fun/blog/index.cfm?entry=48a5a061-f8d7-4e18-b733-8eaec1685b30|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081031063607/http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/fun/blog/index.cfm?entry=48a5a061-f8d7-4e18-b733-8eaec1685b30|archivedate=October 31, 2008|title=Top Thrill Dragster stuck October 31, 2008 |date= October 31, 2008|accessdate=July 6, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/fun/blog/index.cfm?entry=546e3519-1f9c-4d11-a74b-e3e2251f419b |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529142625/http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/fun/blog/index.cfm?entry=546e3519-1f9c-4d11-a74b-e3e2251f419b|archivedate=May 29, 2009|title=Top Thrill Dragster stuck May 25, 2009 |date= May 25, 2009|accessdate=July 6, 2012}}</ref>
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== Characteristics == == Characteristics ==
] ]
When Top Thrill Dragster debuted, it set four new records: When Top Thrill Dragster debuted, it set four new records and currently hold the top three on this list:


* World's tallest complete circuit roller coaster * World's tallest complete circuit roller coaster
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* World's fastest roller coaster * World's fastest roller coaster


It became the fastest roller coaster in the world with a maximum speed of {{convert|120|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. It was the fourth roller coaster to exceed {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, preceded by ] at ], ] at ] and ] at ]. Dodonpa held the record previously with a top speed of {{convert|107|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Top Thrill Dragster also broke the height record, standing at {{convert|420|ft}}, which was previously held by Superman: Escape from Krypton at {{convert|415|ft}}. Kingda Ka opened two years later at Six Flags Great Adventure and broke both of Top Thrill Dragster's records, boasting a height of {{convert|456|ft}} and a top speed of {{convert|128|mph}}. The speed record was again broken in 2010 by ] at ], which reaches a maximum speed of {{convert|149.1|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="TTD records">{{cite news |title=Top Thrill Dragster records |url=http://people.setonhill.edu/ChristopherUlicne/project1_cu.html |access-date=July 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100625194911/http://people.setonhill.edu/ChristopherUlicne/project1_cu.html |archive-date=June 25, 2010}}</ref> It became the fastest roller coaster in the world with a maximum speed of {{convert|120|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. It was the fourth roller coaster to exceed {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, preceded by ] at ], ] at ] and ] at ]. Dodonpa held the record previously with a top speed of {{convert|107|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Top Thrill Dragster also broke the height record, standing at {{convert|420|ft}}, which was previously held by Superman: Escape from Krypton at {{convert|415|ft}}. Kingda Ka opened two years later at Six Flags Great Adventure and broke both of Top Thrill Dragster's records, boasting a height of {{convert|456|ft}} and a top speed of {{convert|128|mph}} until ] Closed in November of 2024.<ref>{{cite web| url= https://bucksco.today/2024/11/kingda-ka-roller-coaster-six-flags/| title=Kingda Ka Roller Coaster to Be Removed for New Additions at Six Flags Great Adventure| website= bucksco.today| publisher=Bucksco| host=| date=August 3, 2023| time=11:05| access-date=August 7, 2023}}</ref> The speed record was again broken in 2010 by ] at ], which reaches a maximum speed of {{convert|149.1|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="TTD records">{{cite news |title=Top Thrill Dragster records |url=http://people.setonhill.edu/ChristopherUlicne/project1_cu.html |access-date=July 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100625194911/http://people.setonhill.edu/ChristopherUlicne/project1_cu.html |archive-date=June 25, 2010}}</ref>


In the last operational year of the Top Thrill Dragster in 2021, the roller coaster had the ], the ], and the ] among steel roller coasters in the world.<ref name="Steel Height">{{cite RCDB |coaster_name=Record Holders |location=Statistic: Height, Type: Steel |access-date=March 25, 2019 |url=http://rcdb.com/rhr.htm?m=1&t=1}}</ref><ref name="Steel Speed">{{cite RCDB |coaster_name=Record Holders |location=Statistic: Speed, Type: Steel |access-date=March 25, 2019 |url=http://www.rcdb.com/rhr.htm?t=1}}</ref><ref name="Steel Drop">{{cite RCDB |coaster_name=Record Holders |location=Statistic: Drop, Type: Steel |access-date=March 25, 2019 |url=http://www.rcdb.com/rhr.htm?m=3&t=1}}</ref> Top Thrill Dragster was the second hydraulically-launched roller coaster from Intamin following ] at ],<ref name="hydraulic launched coasters">{{cite web |title=Hydraulic launched roller coasters at RCDB |url=http://www.rcdb.com/r.htm?ot=2&pp=86 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106192109/http://rcdb.com/r.htm?ot=2&pp=86 |archive-date=November 6, 2011 |access-date=July 7, 2012 |publisher=Roller Coaster DataBase}}</ref> and along with Kingda Ka, it is one of two ]s ever built.<ref name="strata coasters">{{cite web |date=November 16, 2006 |title=Kingda Ka vs. Top Thrill Dragster |url=http://www.thecoastercritic.com/2006/11/what-is-hyper-coaster.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530050207/http://www.thecoastercritic.com/2006/11/what-is-hyper-coaster.html |archive-date=May 30, 2012 |access-date=June 8, 2012 |publisher=thecoastercritic.com}}</ref> Its marketing tagline was "Race for the Sky".<ref name="POV" /> In the last operational year of the Top Thrill Dragster in 2021, the roller coaster had the ], the ], and the ] among steel roller coasters in the world.<ref name="Steel Height">{{cite RCDB |coaster_name=Record Holders |location=Statistic: Height, Type: Steel |access-date=March 25, 2019 |url=http://rcdb.com/rhr.htm?m=1&t=1}}</ref><ref name="Steel Speed">{{cite RCDB |coaster_name=Record Holders |location=Statistic: Speed, Type: Steel |access-date=March 25, 2019 |url=http://www.rcdb.com/rhr.htm?t=1}}</ref><ref name="Steel Drop">{{cite RCDB |coaster_name=Record Holders |location=Statistic: Drop, Type: Steel |access-date=March 25, 2019 |url=http://www.rcdb.com/rhr.htm?m=3&t=1}}</ref> Top Thrill Dragster was the second hydraulically-launched roller coaster from Intamin following ] at ],<ref name="hydraulic launched coasters">{{cite web |title=Hydraulic launched roller coasters at RCDB |url=http://www.rcdb.com/r.htm?ot=2&pp=86 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106192109/http://rcdb.com/r.htm?ot=2&pp=86 |archive-date=November 6, 2011 |access-date=July 7, 2012 |publisher=Roller Coaster DataBase}}</ref> and along with Kingda Ka, it is one of two ]s ever built.<ref name="strata coasters">{{cite web |date=November 16, 2006 |title=Kingda Ka vs. Top Thrill Dragster |url=http://www.thecoastercritic.com/2006/11/what-is-hyper-coaster.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530050207/http://www.thecoastercritic.com/2006/11/what-is-hyper-coaster.html |archive-date=May 30, 2012 |access-date=June 8, 2012 |publisher=thecoastercritic.com}}</ref> Its marketing tagline was "Race for the Sky".<ref name="POV" />
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== Incidents == == Incidents ==
{{main article|Incidents at Six Flags parks}}
{{Wikinews|Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster in Ohio, US permanently closed following serious accident}} {{Wikinews|Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster in Ohio, US permanently closed following serious accident}}
On July 14, 2004, four people were struck by flying debris while riding the coaster. Reports indicated that a metal cable frayed during launch, shearing off shards of metal that struck the riders. The injuries were mainly arm abrasions, with one passenger experiencing cuts to the face. They were treated at the park's first aid station, and two later sought further medical attention.<ref name="2004 incident">{{cite news |title=July 14, 2004 incident |newspaper=] |url=http://www.toledoblade.com/frontpage/2004/07/14/Cedar-Point-shuts-down-coaster-after-riders-hurt.html |date=July 14, 2004 |access-date=July 7, 2012 |archive-date=November 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118200710/http://www.toledoblade.com/frontpage/2004/07/14/Cedar-Point-shuts-down-coaster-after-riders-hurt.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On July 14, 2004, four people were struck by flying debris while riding, which reports indicated were small pieces of metal from the ride's launch cable. The minor injuries included cuts and abrasions, and the riders were treated on site at the park's first aid station.<ref name="2004 incident">{{cite news |last=Ray |first=Erika |title=Cedar Point shuts down coaster after riders hurt |newspaper=] |url=http://www.toledoblade.com/frontpage/2004/07/14/Cedar-Point-shuts-down-coaster-after-riders-hurt.html |date=July 14, 2004 |access-date=July 7, 2012 |archive-date=November 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118200710/http://www.toledoblade.com/frontpage/2004/07/14/Cedar-Point-shuts-down-coaster-after-riders-hurt.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

On August 7, 2016, two people were treated for minor injuries when the launch cable detached from the ride. The ride was closed for the following day while the park and Ohio state officials investigated the incident.<ref name="2016 incident">{{cite news |title=August, 7th 2016 incident |newspaper=] |url=http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2016/08/08/cable-detaches-from-top-thrill-dragster-shutting-ride-down/ |date=August 8, 2016 |access-date=August 8, 2016 |archive-date=August 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809130136/http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2016/08/08/cable-detaches-from-top-thrill-dragster-shutting-ride-down/ |url-status=live}}</ref>


] ]
On August 7, 2016, the launch cable detached during operation, and two riders were evaluated at the park's first aid station and later released back into the park. Top Thrill Dragster closed for a thorough inspection and reopened the following day.<ref name="2016 incident">{{cite web |title=Cable Detaches From Top Thrill Dragster, Shutting Ride Down |website=] |url=http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2016/08/08/cable-detaches-from-top-thrill-dragster-shutting-ride-down/ |date=August 8, 2016 |access-date=August 8, 2016 |archive-date=August 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809130136/http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2016/08/08/cable-detaches-from-top-thrill-dragster-shutting-ride-down/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Ferguson 2016">{{cite web |last1=Ferguson |first1=Christa |title=Cedar Point roller coaster shut down after cable detaches |url=https://www.woodtv.com/news/cedar-point-roller-coaster-shut-down-after-cable-detaches/1085198944/ |website=WOOD-TV |access-date=September 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240916214542/https://www.woodtv.com/news/cedar-point-roller-coaster-shut-down-after-cable-detaches/1085198944/ |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |date=August 8, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
In September 2017, a report with photos surfaced that the braking system on the launch side of the track may have been damaged, causing the ride to close indefinitely. Cedar Point did not acknowledge the incident and stated the closure was for maintenance reasons.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cleveland19.com/story/36486079/update-top-thrill-dragster-is-still-closed |title=Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster still closed, undergoing maintenance |last1=DeRoos |first1=Dan |date=September 29, 2017 |publisher=] |access-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-date=August 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829212222/http://www.cleveland19.com/story/36486079/update-top-thrill-dragster-is-still-closed |url-status=live}}</ref>


=== Major incident in 2021 === === Major incident in 2021 ===
On August 15, 2021, in what was described as a "serious accident",<ref name="2021 incident - PlainDealer"/> a guest waiting in line was struck in the head by a small metal piece that dislodged from a train as it was nearing the end of its run.<ref name="2021 incident - SR"/> The guest was taken to a nearby hospital and was found to have suffered serious injuries.<ref name="2021 incident - SR">{{Cite news |title=Roller coaster part falls, hits guest |url=https://sanduskyregister.com/news/337270/roller-coaster-part-falls-hits-guest/ |work=] |date=August 15, 2021 |access-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817143519/https://sanduskyregister.com/news/337270/roller-coaster-part-falls-hits-guest/ |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> The metal piece was later determined to be an L-shaped bracket called a flag plate, which signals the train's location to sensors positioned along the track.<ref name="WFMJ"/> Top Thrill Dragster was closed for the remainder of the season.<ref name="2021 incident - PlainDealer">{{cite news |last1=Glaser |first1=Susan |title=Cedar Point says Top Thrill Dragster, involved in serious accident, will remain closed for 2021 |url=https://www.cleveland.com/news/2021/08/cedar-point-says-top-thrill-dragster-involved-in-serious-accident-will-remain-closed-for-2021.html |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=] |date=August 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821040113/https://www.cleveland.com/news/2021/08/cedar-point-says-top-thrill-dragster-involved-in-serious-accident-will-remain-closed-for-2021.html |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> On August 15, 2021, in what was described as a "serious accident",<ref name="2021 incident - PlainDealer"/> a guest waiting in line was struck in the head by a small metal L-shaped bracket, called a flag plate,<ref name="WFMJ"/> that dislodged from a train as it was nearing the end of its run.<ref name="2021 incident - SR"/> The guest was severely injured and treated at a nearby hospital.<ref name="2021 incident - SR">{{Cite news |title=Roller coaster part falls, hits guest |url=https://sanduskyregister.com/news/337270/roller-coaster-part-falls-hits-guest/ |work=] |date=August 15, 2021 |access-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817143519/https://sanduskyregister.com/news/337270/roller-coaster-part-falls-hits-guest/ |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> Top Thrill Dragster was closed for the remainder of the season.<ref name="2021 incident - PlainDealer">{{cite news |last1=Glaser |first1=Susan |title=Cedar Point says Top Thrill Dragster, involved in serious accident, will remain closed for 2021 |url=https://www.cleveland.com/news/2021/08/cedar-point-says-top-thrill-dragster-involved-in-serious-accident-will-remain-closed-for-2021.html |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=] |date=August 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821040113/https://www.cleveland.com/news/2021/08/cedar-point-says-top-thrill-dragster-involved-in-serious-accident-will-remain-closed-for-2021.html |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

An investigation by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) was completed in February 2022 and found that half of the bolts securing the flag plate had dislodged.<ref name="WFMJ">{{cite news |url=https://www.wfmj.com/story/44581891/oda-provides-update-on-top-thrill-dragster-incident |title=ODA provides update on Top Thrill Dragster incident |last1=Mosca |first1=Zach |publisher=WFMJ.com |location=Youngstown, Ohio |date=August 23, 2021 |access-date=August 25, 2021 |archive-date=August 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825153627/https://www.wfmj.com/story/44581891/oda-provides-update-on-top-thrill-dragster-incident |url-status=live}}</ref> The report confirmed that the ride underwent regular maintenance, including an inspection the night before the accident, which determined the metal plate to be in "normal, working condition".<ref name="No laws broken" /><ref name="Cleveland.com 2022 Closed2" /> ODA did not find evidence that Cedar Point violated state laws or that the park had any reason to believe the ride was in "unsafe condition".<ref name="No laws broken">{{cite news |last1=Trexler |first1=Phil |title=No laws broken in Cedar Point Top Thrill Dragster mishap that severely injured woman |url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/entertainment/places/cedar-point/no-laws-broken-cedar-point-top-thrill-dragster-mishap-severely-injured-woman/95-45cd9b8b-16a3-4208-81fa-cc4fa39f693e |access-date=February 21, 2022 |publisher=WKYC |date=February 18, 2022 |archive-date=September 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911193252/https://www.wkyc.com/article/entertainment/places/cedar-point/no-laws-broken-cedar-point-top-thrill-dragster-mishap-severely-injured-woman/95-45cd9b8b-16a3-4208-81fa-cc4fa39f693e |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Cleveland.com 2022 Closed2" /> In order to reopen the ride, Cedar Point would be required to perform a list of repairs including the replacement of "different or improper grade" bolts and damaged track sections.<ref name="Cleveland.com 2022 Closed2">{{cite news |last1=Glaser |first1=Susan |date=February 18, 2022 |title=Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster, involved in August accident, will remain closed in 2022 |publisher=Cleveland.com |url=https://www.cleveland.com/news/2022/02/cedar-points-top-thrill-dragster-involved-in-august-accident-will-remain-closed-in-2022.html |access-date=February 23, 2022 |archive-date=February 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223225112/https://www.cleveland.com/news/2022/02/cedar-points-top-thrill-dragster-involved-in-august-accident-will-remain-closed-in-2022.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Instead of repairing, Cedar Point opted to hire Zamperla to create a new version of the ride, which became {{Nowrap|Top Thrill 2}} in 2024.<ref name="First Ride - Glaser" />


An investigation by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) was completed in February 2022 and found that half of the bolts securing the flag plate had dislodged.<ref name="WFMJ"/> The report confirmed that the ride underwent regular maintenance and an inspection the night before the accident, which found the metal plate to be in "normal, working condition"; ODA was unable to determine that Cedar Point violated any state laws.<ref name="No laws broken">{{cite news |last1=Trexler |first1=Phil |title=No laws broken in Cedar Point Top Thrill Dragster mishap that severely injured woman |url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/entertainment/places/cedar-point/no-laws-broken-cedar-point-top-thrill-dragster-mishap-severely-injured-woman/95-45cd9b8b-16a3-4208-81fa-cc4fa39f693e |access-date=February 21, 2022 |publisher=WKYC |date=February 18, 2022 |archive-date=September 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911193252/https://www.wkyc.com/article/entertainment/places/cedar-point/no-laws-broken-cedar-point-top-thrill-dragster-mishap-severely-injured-woman/95-45cd9b8b-16a3-4208-81fa-cc4fa39f693e |url-status=live}}</ref> Following the report's release, the park announced that Top Thrill Dragster would remain closed.<ref name="Cleveland.com 2022 Closed2" /> Cedar Point was required to perform a list of repairs before the attraction could reopen,<ref name="WFMJ">{{cite news |url=https://www.wfmj.com/story/44581891/oda-provides-update-on-top-thrill-dragster-incident |title=ODA provides update on Top Thrill Dragster incident |last1=Mosca |first1=Zach |publisher=WFMJ.com |location=Youngstown, Ohio |date=August 23, 2021 |access-date=August 25, 2021 |archive-date=August 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825153627/https://www.wfmj.com/story/44581891/oda-provides-update-on-top-thrill-dragster-incident |url-status=live}}</ref> which included the replacement of "different or improper grade" bolts and damaged track sections.<ref name="Cleveland.com 2022 Closed2">{{cite news |last1=Glaser |first1=Susan |date=February 18, 2022 |title=Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster, involved in August accident, will remain closed in 2022 |publisher=Cleveland.com |url=https://www.cleveland.com/news/2022/02/cedar-points-top-thrill-dragster-involved-in-august-accident-will-remain-closed-in-2022.html |access-date=February 23, 2022 |archive-date=February 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223225112/https://www.cleveland.com/news/2022/02/cedar-points-top-thrill-dragster-involved-in-august-accident-will-remain-closed-in-2022.html |url-status=live}}</ref> An update in September 2022 stated, "Top Thrill Dragster, as you know it, is being retired."<ref name="closing" /> The injured guest's family sued Cedar Point in 2023,<ref name="Gallek 2023 j468">{{cite web |last=Gallek |first=Peggy |date=July 13, 2023 |title=‘Life-altering’: I-Team reveals new details in Top Thrill Dragster lawsuit |url=https://fox8.com/news/woman-injured-by-top-thrill-dragster-files-lawsuit/ |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Fox 8 Cleveland WJW}}</ref><ref name="USA TODAY 2023 y594">{{cite web |date=July 13, 2023 |title=Woman injured by Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster in Ohio files suit |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/07/13/ohio-woman-roller-coaster-injury-lawsuit/70410730007/ |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=USA Today}}</ref> and a settlement with confidential terms was reached on April 13, 2024.<ref name="Inside The Magic">{{cite web |date=April 13, 2024 |title=Victim of Horrific Coaster Incident Reaches Settlement in Lawsuit, Life-Altering Injuries Revealed |url= https://insidethemagic.net/2024/04/woman-top-thrill-dragster-cedar-point-lawsuit-settlement-reached-emd1/ |access-date=April 14, 2024 |website=Inside The Magic}}</ref> The injured guest was later reported to have suffered a traumatic brain injury,<ref name="First Ride - Glaser" /> and the family sued Cedar Point in 2023.<ref name="Gallek 2023 j468">{{cite web |last=Gallek |first=Peggy |date=July 13, 2023 |title='Life-altering': I-Team reveals new details in Top Thrill Dragster lawsuit |url=https://fox8.com/news/woman-injured-by-top-thrill-dragster-files-lawsuit/ |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Fox 8 Cleveland WJW}}</ref><ref name="USA TODAY 2023 y594">{{cite web |date=July 13, 2023 |title=Woman injured by Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster in Ohio files suit |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/07/13/ohio-woman-roller-coaster-injury-lawsuit/70410730007/ |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=USA Today}}</ref> A settlement with confidential terms was reached on April 13, 2024.<ref name="Inside The Magic">{{cite web |date=April 13, 2024 |title=Victim of Horrific Coaster Incident Reaches Settlement in Lawsuit, Life-Altering Injuries Revealed |url= https://insidethemagic.net/2024/04/woman-top-thrill-dragster-cedar-point-lawsuit-settlement-reached-emd1/ |access-date=April 14, 2024 |website=Inside The Magic}}</ref>


== Awards == == Awards ==
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{{s-ttl|title=World's Tallest Complete Circuit Roller Coaster|years=May 4, 2003&nbsp;– May 21, 2005}} {{s-ttl|title=World's Tallest Complete Circuit Roller Coaster|rows=2|years=May 4, 2003&nbsp;– May 21, 2005<br/>November 11, 2024&nbsp;– present}}
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{{s-ttl|title=World's Tallest Roller Coaster|years=May 4, 2003&nbsp;– May 21, 2005}} {{s-ttl|title=World's Tallest Roller Coaster|rows=2|years=May 4, 2003&nbsp;– May 21, 2005<br/>November 11, 2024&nbsp;– present}}
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{{s-ttl|title=World's Fastest Roller Coaster|years=May 4, 2003&nbsp;– May 21, 2005}} {{s-ttl|title=World's Fastest Roller Coaster|years=May 4, 2003&nbsp;– May 21, 2005}}
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Latest revision as of 05:34, 17 December 2024

Launched roller coaster at Cedar Point

Top Thrill 2
Previously known as Top Thrill Dragster (2003–2023)
The top hat and its supports of Top Thrill 2
Cedar Point
LocationCedar Point
Park sectionTop Thrill 2 Midway
Coordinates41°29′2.25″N 82°41′10.38″W / 41.4839583°N 82.6862167°W / 41.4839583; -82.6862167
StatusClosed
Soft opening dateApril 25, 2024 (2024-04-25)
Opening dateMay 4, 2024 (2024-05-04)
Cost$25 million
General statistics
TypeSteel – Launched
DesignerWerner Stengel
ModelLSM Lightning Launch Coaster
Lift/launch systemLSM
Height420 ft (130 m)
Drop400 ft (120 m)
Speed120 mph (190 km/h)
Inversions0
Duration2 minutes
Max vertical angle90°
Height restriction52 in (132 cm)
Original manufacturerIntamin
Redesigned byZamperla
Fast Lane Plus only available
Top Thrill 2 at RCDB
Video

Top Thrill 2 is a launched roller coaster located at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, United States. The ride originally opened as Top Thrill Dragster in 2003, becoming the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world, as well as the first ever strata coaster. Designed by Werner Stengel, the Intamin accelerator coaster debuted with a height of 420 feet (130 m), and could accelerate from 0 to 120 mph (190 km/h) in 3.8 seconds. It was themed to Top Fuel drag racing, with the launch track designed to resemble a dragstrip. The ride consistently ranked as one of the world's top steel coasters in Amusement Today's annual Golden Ticket Awards publication. Top Thrill Dragster's records were surpassed in 2005 by Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure, though that ride's closure in 2024 may allow Top Thrill 2 to briefly reclaim the height record.

Following a 2021 incident in which a guest was severely injured while standing in line, Top Thrill Dragster was closed indefinitely before being permanently closed in September 2022. Zamperla was hired to perform extensive modifications to the ride; most notably, a 420-foot (130 m) spike tower was built opposite from the main tower, and Intamin's hydraulic launch system was removed in favor of an LSM swing launch.

The coaster reemerged as Top Thrill 2 on May 4, 2024. The updated ride produces a different riding experience while maintaining the original's top speed, sending riders forward and backward through three total launches. The ride's duration was also extended from 30 seconds to approximately two minutes. After only a week of operation, an issue with the trains was identified, resulting in the closure of Top Thrill 2 while modifications and further testing are being performed. The park intends to reopen the ride in 2025.

History

Development

According to Rob Decker, Vice President of Planning and Design, the park began working on a new project shortly after the debut of Millennium Force in 2000. After the 2001 season ended, one of the park's Dodgem rides, which was located across from Magnum XL-200's entrance, was relocated to Michigan's Adventure to clear the way for the new ride. In April 2002, work began on the concrete foundation. The concrete footings were kept hidden behind a fence when the park opened for the 2002 season. In August, an informal announcement from Cedar Point confirmed the park was building a new ride for the 2003 season. Track pieces identified as Intamin were previously spotted near Mean Streak. Vertical construction by Martin & Vleminckx began in the fall season, months before the formal announcement. By October, the roller coaster had reached 200 feet (61 m) in height, and the highest peak was topped off in December. To construct the roller coaster, the park used five cranes, two of which were 480-foot (150 m) tall.

At the time, only four such cranes in the United States were tall enough to handle construction of the 420-foot tower section. An official announcement revealing details on the new ride was made the following month on January 9, 2003. Officials for the park stated the goal was to build "the tallest and fastest roller coaster on earth", reaching 420 feet (130 m) in height and accelerating up to 120 mph (190 km/h) in 4 seconds. The large investment tied it with Millennium Force as being the most expensive in park history. The structure was built by Intamin's subcontractor Stakotra. In March, Cedar Fair registered a trademark for the name "Top Thrill Dragster".

Operation

Top Thrill Dragster's media day was held on May 1, 2003, and it officially opened to the public three days later. It became the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world, overtaking the height record from Steel Dragon 2000 at Nagashima Spa Land, built three years earlier, and the speed record from Dodonpa at Fuji-Q Highland, which opened in late 2001. It lost both records to Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure in May 2005. Intamin designed both Kingda Ka and Top Thrill Dragster, and the two share a similar design and layout that differs primarily by theme and an additional hill featured on Kingda Ka. Shortly after it opened, a faulty valve on the hydraulic system caused a short-term closure. The ride continued to experience a variety of issues dealing with its hydraulic system and launch cable, which frequently led to downtime early on in its tenure.

During the 2017 season's opening weekend, Cedar Point temporarily renamed the ride "Top Thrill Cubster", referencing a lost wager with Six Flags Great America over the World Series. In 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, timed boarding passes called "Access Passes" were used temporarily to comply with social distancing guidelines.

Closure and modification

On August 15, 2021, a guest waiting in line to ride Top Thrill Dragster was struck in the head by a small metal piece that dislodged from a train, resulting in a severe injury that was described as a "serious accident". The ride remained closed the following two seasons pending an investigation by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and a redesign of the roller coaster, described as a "new and reimagined ride experience".

At the time of its closure, Top Thrill Dragster had accommodated 18 million riders over 19 seasons. An update was released on social media in September 2022 stating, "Top Thrill Dragster, as you know it, is being retired." Officials provided limited details but confirmed that the roller coaster would reopen as a "new and reimagined ride experience". A portion of the roller coaster's track near the station was dismantled in late 2022. In January 2023, the park released the tagline "A New Formula For Thrills" on social media to describe the planned modifications.

There was speculation that Top Thrill Dragster's hydraulic launch system would be replaced. In August 2023, the speculation was confirmed after Cedar Point announced plans to transform Top Thrill Dragster into a triple-launched roller coaster using linear synchronous motors. The modified coaster was to reopen as Top Thrill 2. Zamperla, hired to redesign the ride, reused the existing 420-foot (130 m) "top hat" and added an equally-sized vertical spike at the opposite end of the track. While the maximum height and speed remained the same, the track length increased to 3,422 feet (1,043 m). The vertical spike topped out during early December 2023, and testing took place during early 2024.

The closed entrance to Top Thrill 2

Brief reopening

Following the completion of construction and testing, Cedar Point held a soft opening media day event on April 25, 2024. The ride was officially opened on May 4, 2024.

A short time later on May 12, Cedar Point announced that there would be an "extended closure" of Top Thrill 2 while the ride's trains were modified. The ride remained closed indefinitely through months of speculation and sporadic testing. On August 23, 2024, the park announced that Top Thrill 2 would not reopen for the remainder of the season, but that work would continue with the goal of reopening the ride in 2025.

Ride experience

Layout

As Top Thrill Dragster

Top Thrill Dragster in 2009

After leaving the station, the train entered the launch area. To the left of the launch area was a "Christmas tree" light, similar to those employed at the starting line of a drag strip. A brief message was played to the riders before the launch: "Keep arms down, head back, and hold on." Once the train was prepared to launch, a motor revving sound effect was played and its magnetic braking fins were lowered from the launch track. It then launched, accelerating to a speed of 120 mph (190 km/h) in 3.8 seconds. Shortly after reaching its maximum velocity, the catch car disengaged, and the train began its ascent up a 90-degree incline, twisting 90 degrees clockwise before climbing over the 420-foot (130 m) top hat. Upon descending, the track twisted 270 degrees before leveling out, allowing the train to be stopped by the magnetic brakes.

As Top Thrill 2

After leaving the station, the train passes through a switch and makes an S-turn to the right to join the launch track. To the left of the launch area is a modified version of the original "Christmas tree" light. As soon as the switch changes positions behind the train, the train is launched forward towards the original top hat at 74 mph (119 km/h), rolling backward partway up the tower. Reaching the launch track again, the train is launched in reverse at 101 mph (163 km/h), past the station, and up a 420-foot (130 m) vertical spike in reverse, crossing over Iron Dragon in the process. Rolling forward onto the launch track once again, the station roof creates a headchopper effect and the train is accelerated to 120 mph (190 km/h) to crest the top hat. After descending the 270 degree spiral drop, the train hits the brake run, while the switch track is reset to allow another train to launch.

Station, theme, and trains

As Top Thrill Dragster

Top Thrill Dragster's launch area with the "Christmas tree"

The roller coaster was themed to Top Fuel drag racing, a category of motor racing that involved the world's fastest accelerating cars. An actual Top Fuel dragster weighs approximately one ton, while each train on the coaster weighed 15 tons. Originally, the design called for five cars on each train, but when the ride first opened, there were only four. A fifth car was added to each by midseason.

Each dragster-themed train was also decorated with a spoiler, a set of tires, and an engine at the rear of each train, but these were removed after the fifth car was added to allow an extra row of seats to take their place.

The track was mostly painted red, with the launch and approach to the tower having white stripes alternating with red sections. The supports were white on the launch and brake area and yellow on the tower.

As Top Thrill 2

As Top Thrill 2, the theme was modified to be a more general racing theme. The ride area, as well as the trains, are decorated with a stylized logo of "CP Racing." The redesigned ride runs three 5-car trains supplied by Zamperla, holding 20 people per train. The trains are of Zamperla's Lightning model, which is notable for using a milled aluminum chassis and carbon fiber bodywork. For safety, riders can not bring loose items onto the ride, and metal detectors are installed at the beginning of the queue.

As part of the refurbishment, the ride was repainted to have white track and dark grey supports, with the highest points on both the spike and top hat towers being accented with red sections alternating with white sections.

Rollbacks

Occasionally a train will launch without sufficient speed to reach the top of the tower and roll back onto the launch track, hence the term "rollback". This typically happens in cool, wet, or breezy weather, or when the wind is significantly working against it. As Top Thrill Dragster, the launch track was equipped with retractable magnetic brake fins, which were raised after each launch to slow the train down in case it did not reach the top of the tower. As Top Thrill 2, the LSM Launch fins also function as braking fins to slow the train down.

On very rare occasions, a combination of the weight distribution of the train, the force of the launch, and the wind could stall a train on top of the tower. When this happened, a mechanic took the elevator to the top and pushed the train down the hill.

Characteristics

Side view of Top Thrill Dragster

When Top Thrill Dragster debuted, it set four new records and currently hold the top three on this list:

  • World's tallest complete circuit roller coaster
  • World's tallest roller coaster
  • World's tallest roller coaster drop
  • World's fastest roller coaster

It became the fastest roller coaster in the world with a maximum speed of 120 mph (190 km/h). It was the fourth roller coaster to exceed 100 mph (160 km/h), preceded by Tower of Terror II at Dreamworld, Superman: Escape from Krypton at Six Flags Magic Mountain and Dodonpa at Fuji-Q Highland. Dodonpa held the record previously with a top speed of 107 mph (172 km/h). Top Thrill Dragster also broke the height record, standing at 420 feet (130 m), which was previously held by Superman: Escape from Krypton at 415 feet (126 m). Kingda Ka opened two years later at Six Flags Great Adventure and broke both of Top Thrill Dragster's records, boasting a height of 456 feet (139 m) and a top speed of 128 miles per hour (206 km/h) until Kingda Ka Closed in November of 2024. The speed record was again broken in 2010 by Formula Rossa at Ferrari World, which reaches a maximum speed of 149.1 mph (240.0 km/h).

In the last operational year of the Top Thrill Dragster in 2021, the roller coaster had the second tallest height, the third fastest speed, and the second-highest drop among steel roller coasters in the world. Top Thrill Dragster was the second hydraulically-launched roller coaster from Intamin following Xcelerator at Knott's Berry Farm, and along with Kingda Ka, it is one of two strata coasters ever built. Its marketing tagline was "Race for the Sky".

As Top Thrill 2, the ride has been marketed as the "tallest and fastest triple launch strata coaster" by Cedar Point, with Zamperla using the more general "tallest and fastest triple launch coaster" in its marketing material.

Incidents

Main article: Incidents at Six Flags parks

On July 14, 2004, four people were struck by flying debris while riding, which reports indicated were small pieces of metal from the ride's launch cable. The minor injuries included cuts and abrasions, and the riders were treated on site at the park's first aid station.

Top Thrill Dragster sitting dormant (2022)

On August 7, 2016, the launch cable detached during operation, and two riders were evaluated at the park's first aid station and later released back into the park. Top Thrill Dragster closed for a thorough inspection and reopened the following day.

Major incident in 2021

On August 15, 2021, in what was described as a "serious accident", a guest waiting in line was struck in the head by a small metal L-shaped bracket, called a flag plate, that dislodged from a train as it was nearing the end of its run. The guest was severely injured and treated at a nearby hospital. Top Thrill Dragster was closed for the remainder of the season.

An investigation by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) was completed in February 2022 and found that half of the bolts securing the flag plate had dislodged. The report confirmed that the ride underwent regular maintenance, including an inspection the night before the accident, which determined the metal plate to be in "normal, working condition". ODA did not find evidence that Cedar Point violated state laws or that the park had any reason to believe the ride was in "unsafe condition". In order to reopen the ride, Cedar Point would be required to perform a list of repairs including the replacement of "different or improper grade" bolts and damaged track sections. Instead of repairing, Cedar Point opted to hire Zamperla to create a new version of the ride, which became Top Thrill 2 in 2024.

The injured guest was later reported to have suffered a traumatic brain injury, and the family sued Cedar Point in 2023. A settlement with confidential terms was reached on April 13, 2024.

Awards

As Top Thrill Dragster

Golden Ticket Awards: Top steel Roller Coasters
Year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2021
Ranking 11 7 7 10 9 9 10 10 9 13 12 19 13 19 17 16 21 28 (tie)

Records

Preceded bySteel Dragon 2000 World's Tallest Complete Circuit Roller Coaster
May 4, 2003 – May 21, 2005
November 11, 2024 – present
Succeeded byKingda Ka
Preceded byKingda Ka Succeeded byCurrent holder
Preceded bySuperman: The Escape World's Tallest Roller Coaster
May 4, 2003 – May 21, 2005
November 11, 2024 – present
Succeeded byKingda Ka
Preceded byKingda Ka Succeeded byCurrent holder
Preceded byDodonpa World's Fastest Roller Coaster
May 4, 2003 – May 21, 2005
Succeeded byKingda Ka

Notes

  1. ^ Associated with the original construction of Top Thrill Dragster in 2003
  2. At the time of Kingda Ka's closure, Top Thrill 2 had only operated for several days before entering an extended closure for repairs. Whether or not it took the height record at this point is debated.
  3. Falcon's Flight is expected to open within the next several years, which will be much taller.
  4. A swing launch involves the train making several passes over the launch track, accumulating more speed with each pass.

References

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External links

Cedar Point
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Website: cedarpoint.com
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