The newly opened roller coaster, Top Thrill 2, at Cedar Point in Ohio was closed for mechanical modifications just over a week after its debut on May 4, 2023. The ride, which is a revamped version of the former Top Thrill Dragster, features an enhanced design reaching speeds of up to 120 mph and a height of 420 feet, making it one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world.
The closure, which came after Cedar Point opened for the season, was announced by the park so that the ride's manufacturer could complete necessary modifications. Further inspections will be conducted by Cedar Point teams and an external observer before the ride reopens, although no specific timeline has been provided for the reopening.
The Top Thrill 2 replaced the original Top Thrill Dragster, which was the tallest and fastest coaster globally when it opened in 2003. The original ride was closed after an incident in 2021 where a guest was severely injured by a metal bracket that fell from the ride. Following the incident, legal action was taken against the park by the injured guest, Rachel Hawes, who suffered significant and permanent injuries.
Cedar Point has not disclosed the specific nature of the mechanical modification necessary for Top Thrill 2. Updates on the status of the ride are to be posted on the park's website. The park’s management expressed disappointment over the closure but committed to ensuring the safety and quality of the ride experience for guests once it reopens.