Official Opening Tomorrow: Cedar Point Presents “Top Thrill 2”
Photos: Courtesy of Zamperla
(eap) Following a soft opening phase, Cedar Point (in Sandusky, Ohio) is celebrating the official opening of its extensively modernized “Top Thrill 2” coaster tomorrow. Previously known as “Top Thrill Dragster”, the coaster now features two additional launches and a 128-meter-high spike element following two years of renovation work by Italian manufacturer Zamperla. The final launch catapults passengers forwards at a speed of 193 km/h, followed by the world’s fastest reverse launch at 163 km/h (according to the manufacturer). The trains have also been replaced. Like racing cars, the new trains are made of carbon fibre, making them particularly lightweight. Each train, which races along the 1,043 metre-long rollercoaster track in around two minutes, can accommodate 20 passengers. Guests from a height of 132 cm are allowed to ride.
“Top Thrill 2’s presence at Cedar Point is iconic and the team at Zamperla rose to the challenge of keeping it true to form while bringing a new generation of thrill rides to life,” explains Carrie Boldman, Vice President & General Manager of Cedar Point. “The innovation, design, talent, and extreme engineering that went into the creation of Top Thrill 2 will soon be realized by our millions of thrill-seeking guests. This is something truly special and we’ve been proud to have Zamperla along for the ride.”
“Top Thrill 2 is a next-level roller coaster experience for Cedar Point, Zamperla and the entire attractions industry,” said Antonio Zamperla, President and CEO of Zamperla. “[…] We are proud to showcase a record-breaking experience like Top Thrill 2 and know it will be everyone’s favourite experience at the park.” ■
