Cedar Point Readies Record-Breaking Roller Coaster

SANDUSKY, Ohio – Cedar Point is continuing tests of its new Top Thrill 2, the tallest and fastest triple-launch roller coaster in the world.

Engineers from the ride’s manufacturer, Zamperla, are programming the coaster’s fully automated ride sequence, fine tuning the linear synchronous motor launch system, testing rider safety systems and running the metallic silver train through its paces, according to a press release.

Soon, all three of Top Thrill 2’s 20-passenger trains will be programmed to operate together, followed by additional ride commissioning, safety testing and state licensing.

Top Thrill 2 is set to open to the public on Cedar Point’s opening day, Saturday, May 4.

The ride has two 420-foot hills, making it the world’s only dual-tower vertical speedway.

On the start, riders will burst down the straightaway, reaching speeds of 74 mph as they race toward the sky on the first hill.

After experiencing weightlessness during the “rollback” – the moment when the train’s momentum isn’t great enough to make it up and over the tower – the train shifts into reverse and into its second launch, reaching speeds of 101 mph. Riders will then see Cedar Point unlike never before as they speed into a backward climb at a 90-degree angle on a new, 420-foot-tall track tower.

After a second moment of weightlessness, the train shifts into drive and races forward into its third launch, clocking in at the ride’s top speed of 120 mph. Crossing over the top hat tower, the train decelerates momentarily before diving into a 270-degree spiral and crossing the finish line.

Pictured at top: Cedar Point’s Top Thrill 2 roller coaster.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.