Top Thrill Dragster

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Since this mighty beast was opened at Cedar Point in 2003 I dreamed of riding it. At the time it was both the tallest and fastest coaster in the world which put it firmly at the top of my wish list! Although it was surpassed in speed and height by Kingda Ka in 2005, Dragster always remained the ride I most wanted to experience but it took me rather a long time to fulfil my ambition!

The Ride

At 420ft Dragster is a true monster of a structure which dominates the horizon at Cedar Point. You can see this one from miles away but it is only when you stand at the base of the tower that you get a real sense if it’s enormous scale. Top thrill Dragster was the second ride of its type to be produced by Intamin, the first being Accelerator at Knotts Berry Farm which was only half the height of dragster and accelerated to 82 mph rather than the dramatic 120mph achieved by the newer ride. Being only the second Intamin accelerator and given the exponential increase in proportions over the first one it is no surprise that Dragster experienced many technical issues and closures during its first season. I am heartily glad that I didn’t cross the pond then as I may have been bitterly disappointed.

dragster close

The Experience

I finally made the trip to Cedar Point in 2012, a ridiculous 9 years after Dragster opened. In my defence it is a 6,000 mile journey! Ironically in the intervening years I found myself working as a ride operator at a Thorpe Park running Stealth, yet another Intamin accelerator! Although I could ride Stealth almost every day I still dreamt of Dragster and so when I stepped into Cedar Point on my first day I was so excited I could have burst. As I walked into the queue line I was blown away by the size of the thing and couldn’t wait for my turn to ride. Unfortunately just as I reached the back of the queue Dragster had a roll back, a relatively common occurrence, which delayed my first ride. The delay did give a chance to take in the look of the ride and the station which were both impressive. It really felt like I was at a drag strip.  Finally I got my chance and as I sat in my seat  with my arms in the air I had a huge smile all over my face. 9 years and a lot of money but I was in position and ready to go!

The train launches with terrific force and although I was used to launches on Stealth I had never experienced anything quite as in your face as Dragster. The view from the top of the tower was awesome and the full twist on the way down was really thrilling.  I was so delighted that I had finally experienced the ride that I wanted to cry. It may have all be over in a few seconds but what an immense thrill!

dragster station

Naturally I took several more rides on Dragster, two in the front row.  One of my front row runs was at dusk and it was at this point that I discovered that sunset is not a good time to ride. Thousands of bugs accumulate around the launch track and being slammed into them at 120mph is not pleasant. I ate several of the creatures and my eyes were full of corpses. I should have worn my goggles and a surgical mask!

Conclusions

Top Thrill Dragster is a fantastic and extreme thrill ride of epic proportions with great theming. It looks great and it is fabulous whilst it lasts but it is all over very quickly and ultimately it turned not to be my favourite ride in the Park. That accolade went to Maverick but I will always treasure the memories of my first ride on that magnificent machine.

Byline

Article by Sally Stacey a roller coaster enthusiast and former theme park worker