Misplaced Pages

Top Thrill 2

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
(Redirected from Top Thrill Dragster) 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

  1. "EPISODE #1824 - TOP THRILL 2: TONY CLARK, MAGIC, AND MYSTERY". CoasterRadio.com (Podcast). August 3, 2023. Event occurs at 11:05. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  2. ^ Haidet, Ryan (August 23, 2024). "Cedar Point announces Top Thrill 2 roller coaster will stay closed for remainder of 2024 season: 'We are extremely disappointed'". wkyc.com.
  3. Smith, Matthew (May 3, 2003). "New Cedar Point coaster is a top-speed 'Dragster'". Post-Gazette. Sandusky, Ohio: PG Publishing Co., Inc. Archived from the original on July 19, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  4. Hyde, Andrew. "How to Build A Giant Quietly? Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster Media Story". CP Food Blog. CPFoodBlog and InACents Web Creations, LLC. Archived from the original on March 13, 2017. Retrieved July 19, 2001.
  5. "Top Thrill Dragster". Emporis. Archived from the original on July 19, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  6. ^ "Cedar Point To Build Major New Thrill Ride For 2003 Season". Ultimate Rollercoaster. Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
  7. "Intamin". Martin & Vleminckx. Archived from the original on November 25, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  8. ^ Top Thrill Dragster TV announcement (Video). 2010. Retrieved July 7, 2012 – via YouTube.
  9. "Top Thrill Dragster 200 foot support". CoasterGallery.com. 2002. Archived from the original on May 12, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  10. Schmidt, Walt (December 17, 2002). "New ride topped off". PointBuzz. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
  11. Higgins, Amy (May 8, 2003). "The coaster with the moster". Machine Design. Archived from the original on July 19, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  12. "Stakotra". Archived from the original on April 9, 2014. Retrieved April 8, 2014.
  13. "Top Thrill Dragster Trademark". Legal Force. Archived from the original on October 27, 2012. Retrieved July 16, 2012.
  14. "PointBuzz history". PointBuzz. Archived from the original on October 23, 2012. Retrieved October 21, 2012.
  15. ^ Marden, Duane. "Top Thrill Dragster  (Cedar Point)". Roller Coaster DataBase.
  16. ^ "Top Thrill Dragster records". Archived from the original on June 25, 2010. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  17. "Top Thrill Dragster: Race for the Sky | Cedar Point". www.cedarpoint.com. Archived from the original on October 6, 2017. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
  18. "Kingda Ka vs. Top Thrill Dragster". thecoastercritic.com. July 18, 2007. Archived from the original on November 22, 2016. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  19. ^ Ray, Erika (July 14, 2004). "Cedar Point shuts down coaster after riders hurt". Toledo Blade. Archived from the original on November 18, 2012. Retrieved July 7, 2012.
  20. "Cedar Point makes good on its bet with 'Top Thrill Cubster' in honor of Chicago Cubs' World Series win over Indians (Video)". May 6, 2017. Archived from the original on August 27, 2019. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  21. Glaser, Susan (July 8, 2020). "Cedar Point opening day preview: Face masks, social distancing, HalloWeekends and more". cleveland.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  22. Craft, Kevin (August 23, 2024). "Cedar Point's Top Thrill 2 will not reopen this year". ABC 12 WJRT-TV. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  23. ^ "Roller coaster part falls, hits guest". Sandusky Register. August 15, 2021. Archived from the original on August 17, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  24. ^ Glaser, Susan (August 19, 2021). "Cedar Point says Top Thrill Dragster, involved in serious accident, will remain closed for 2021". The Plain Dealer. Archived from the original on August 21, 2021. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  25. ^ Organ, Aaron (September 6, 2022). "Cedar Point to retire Top Thrill Dragster". WANE 15. Archived from the original on September 6, 2022. Retrieved September 6, 2022.
  26. Fleming, Chandra (January 11, 2023). "Cedar Point reopening Top Thrill Dragster in 2024". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on March 19, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  27. "Cedar Point permanently closing Top Thrill Dragster, world's second-tallest roller coaster". CBS News. September 6, 2022. Archived from the original on September 6, 2022. Retrieved September 6, 2022.
  28. "Top Thrill Dragster being 'retired'". sanduskyregister.com. Archived from the original on September 6, 2022. Retrieved September 6, 2022.
  29. Addeo, Brandon (February 18, 2022). "Top Thrill Dragster closed for 2022 season". Sandusky Register. Archived from the original on February 21, 2022. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  30. Webb, Craig (November 10, 2022). "Cedar Point's newest coaster starting to take shape along the Lake Erie shoreline". Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved November 13, 2022.
  31. Haidet, Ryan (January 9, 2023). "Cedar Point gives update on future of Top Thrill Dragster: 'New formula of thrills'". wkyc.com. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  32. Glaser, Susan (September 23, 2022). "What's happening to Top Thrill Dragster? Cedar Point won't say, but observers believe new launch system is likely for troubled coaster". cleveland. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  33. ^ Glaser, Susan (August 1, 2023). "Cedar Point's Top Thrill 2 will replace Top Thrill Dragster coaster, with second 420-foot tower and 120 mph top speed". Cleveland.com. Archived from the original on August 1, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  34. "Cedar Point announces 'Top Thrill 2' on the site of former Top Thrill Dragster". WXYZ 7 Action News Detroit. August 1, 2023. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
  35. Webb, Craig (August 1, 2023). "Top Thrill 2! What we know about Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster announcement". Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  36. Lofton, Justine (December 4, 2023). "420-foot 'vertical spike tower' completed on Cedar Point's new Top Thrill 2". mlive. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  37. "VIDEO: See Cedar Point testing Top Thrill 2 ahead of May opening day". WXYZ 7 News Detroit. March 21, 2024. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  38. ^ Glaser, Susan (April 25, 2024). "First ride: Flying high on Top Thrill 2, Cedar Point's newest adrenaline rush". Cleveland.com. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  39. Houmard, Celeste; Unger, Jordan (April 25, 2024). "WATCH: Fox 8 News rides Cedar Point's Top Thrill 2!". Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  40. Hartpence, Alivia (May 4, 2024). "Cedar Point officially opens for the summer, unveiling new coaster". 13ABC. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  41. Taylor, Blake (May 4, 2024). "Top Thrill 2 now open at Cedar Point". Attractions Magazine. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  42. "Top Thrill 2 to close for extended period, Cedar Point says". wtol.com. May 6, 2024. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  43. Kiska, Paul (May 12, 2024). "Just in: Top Thrill 2 closed at Cedar Point". Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  44. ^ CoasterForce (2022). Top Thrill Dragster POV (Video). Retrieved November 13, 2022 – via YouTube.
  45. ^ "Zamperla partners with Cedar Point on Top Thrill 2". Zamperla. August 1, 2023. Archived from the original on September 4, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  46. ^ "Top Thrill Dragster old trains". CoasterGallery.com. 2003. Archived from the original on July 22, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  47. "Top Thrill Dragster images at RCDB". Roller Coaster Database. Archived from the original on July 1, 2012. Retrieved July 7, 2012.
  48. ^ "Top Thrill 2 The World's Tallest & Fastest Triple-Launch Strata Coaster". Cedar Point. Archived from the original on November 11, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  49. Helbig, Don (November 15, 2023). "Top Thrill 2 trains unveiled". Sandusky Register. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  50. Holden, Mike (April 25, 2024). "No free lockers, flip flops or loose items. Here are the new safety guidelines for Cedar Point's Top Thrill 2". News 5 Cleveland WEWS. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  51. "Top Thrill Dragster rollback review". Thrill Network. Archived from the original on September 1, 2010. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  52. "Top Thrill Dragster elevator". CoasterGallery.com. 2008. Archived from the original on May 12, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  53. "Top Thrill Dragster stuck October 31, 2008". October 31, 2008. Archived from the original on October 31, 2008. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  54. "Top Thrill Dragster stuck May 25, 2009". May 25, 2009. Archived from the original on May 29, 2009. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  55. "Kingda Ka Roller Coaster to Be Removed for New Additions at Six Flags Great Adventure". bucksco.today. Bucksco. August 3, 2023. Event occurs at 11:05. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  56. Marden, Duane. "Record Holders  (Statistic: Height, Type: Steel)". Roller Coaster DataBase.
  57. Marden, Duane. "Record Holders  (Statistic: Speed, Type: Steel)". Roller Coaster DataBase.
  58. Marden, Duane. "Record Holders  (Statistic: Drop, Type: Steel)". Roller Coaster DataBase.
  59. "Hydraulic launched roller coasters at RCDB". Roller Coaster DataBase. Archived from the original on November 6, 2011. Retrieved July 7, 2012.
  60. "Kingda Ka vs. Top Thrill Dragster". thecoastercritic.com. November 16, 2006. Archived from the original on May 30, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
  61. "Cable Detaches From Top Thrill Dragster, Shutting Ride Down". CBS Detroit. August 8, 2016. Archived from the original on August 9, 2016. Retrieved August 8, 2016.
  62. Ferguson, Christa (August 8, 2016). "Cedar Point roller coaster shut down after cable detaches". WOOD-TV. Archived from the original on September 16, 2024. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
  63. ^ Mosca, Zach (August 23, 2021). "ODA provides update on Top Thrill Dragster incident". Youngstown, Ohio: WFMJ.com. Archived from the original on August 25, 2021. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  64. ^ Trexler, Phil (February 18, 2022). "No laws broken in Cedar Point Top Thrill Dragster mishap that severely injured woman". WKYC. Archived from the original on September 11, 2022. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  65. ^ Glaser, Susan (February 18, 2022). "Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster, involved in August accident, will remain closed in 2022". Cleveland.com. Archived from the original on February 23, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
  66. Gallek, Peggy (July 13, 2023). "'Life-altering': I-Team reveals new details in Top Thrill Dragster lawsuit". Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  67. "Woman injured by Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster in Ohio files suit". USA Today. July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  68. "Victim of Horrific Coaster Incident Reaches Settlement in Lawsuit, Life-Altering Injuries Revealed". Inside The Magic. April 13, 2024. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  69. "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 14–15B. September 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  70. "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 18–19B. September 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 3, 2007.
  71. "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 26–27B. September 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  72. "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 26–27B. September 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  73. "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 11 (6.2): 36–37. September 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  74. "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 12 (6.2): 36–37. September 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  75. "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 13 (6.2): 32–33. September 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  76. "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 14 (6.2): 34–35. September 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  77. "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 15 (6.2): 38–39. September 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  78. "Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 16 (6.2): 36–37. September 2012.
  79. "2013 Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 17 (6.2): 34–35. September 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
  80. "2014 Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 18 (6.2): 46–47. September 2014.
  81. "2015 Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 19 (6.2): 49–50. September 2015.
  82. "2016 Top 50 Steel Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2016.
  83. "2017 Top 50 Steel Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2017.
  84. "2018 Top 50 Steel Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2018.
  85. "2019 Top 50 Steel Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2019.
  86. "2021 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2021. Archived from the original on November 15, 2021.

External links

Cedar Point
Roller coasters
Attractions
Water rides
Resorts
Other
Former attractions
Website: cedarpoint.com
Intamin
List of Intamin rides
Current roller coaster models
Discontinued roller coaster models
Other current rides
Other discontinued rides
Notable rides
Categories: