In the high-adrenaline world of drag racing, the quest for the next thrilling experience never ends. That quest has led to innovations not only on the track but also in unexpected places. Enter the new designed for a roller coaster at Cedar Point, the Top Thrill Dragster 2. If you’re familiar with roller coasters, you probably have heard of the Top Thrill Dragster, which at the time of its opening in 2003 was the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world. The original Dragster sent you up in the air at 120 mph in 3.8 seconds.
Building on the legacy of its predecessor, this next-generation ride promises to be a high-octane journey sure to resonate with all the adrenaline-fueled souls out there. This isn’t just a roller coaster; it’s an asphalt warrior reincarnated into a strata coaster, promising to be the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch variant of its kind.
The Top Thrill Dragster 2 will feature two imposing 420-foot towers, mimicking the commanding presence of two towering skyscrapers or the adrenaline-pumping scene of two dragsters at the start line, engines roaring, ready for the green light.
The redesigned coaster introduces a new launch system and lighter coaster trains, designed by Zamperla Rides. With their so-called “Lightning” trains and a cutting-edge LSM magnetic launch system, riders can expect to experience the same heart-stopping thrills and breakneck speed that one would feel behind the wheel of a high-performance sports car.
This redesigned adrenaline beast won’t just offer a single burst of speed; it launches riders three times with speeds of 74 mph, 101 mph, and an exhilarating 120 mph final launch. The total track length of 3,422 feet and a two-minute ride duration offer a longer-lasting thrill than the majority of roller coasters — and, indeed, many real-world drag races. Passengers will slide over to the main track for the three launches, each adding a surge of energy akin to a nitrous boost in a high-speed race.
Paying homage to the world of motor racing, the Top Thrill Dragster 2 features three different racing-themed coaster trains — one in metallic blue, another in metallic silver, and a third in bold metallic black. It’s like choosing your dream car from a garage of supercars before hitting the track.
So, buckle up, hold tight, and mark your calendars for 2024 to experience the rush of a lifetime with the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch strata roller coaster — the Top Thrill Dragster 2.
