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For those of us in south-eastern Michigan the closest amusement park is Cedar Point. At least it is ever since they closed down Boblo Island.
As a result we tend to keep a close eye on what’s new at Cedar Point especially those of us with a love for roller coasters. CP has one of the largest collections of coasters around and they’re always vying to have the biggest, fastest, tallest monstrosity money can buy. The pics on the right are of their latest entry called the Top Thrill Dragster. This puppy looks like it won’t disappoint as it tops out at a height of 420 feet (42 stories) with a top speed of 120 MPH. Almost as fast as some people drive on Michigan freeways! This will be Cedar Point’s 16th roller coaster ensuring that a lot of people will be headed their way come this summer. Here’s some more stats from their website:
Cedar Point amusement park/resort will stun thrill-seekers in 2003 with the debut of the park’s unprecedented 16th, yes, 16th roller coaster - Top Thrill Dragster. Reaching a stratospheric 420 feet tall and topping out at an unheard of speed of 120 mph, this new steel screamer will help Cedar Point reclaim the title of owning the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the universe.
Riders will begin their epic journey aboard this whopping 42-story screamer by securing themselves into ultra-cool trains that resemble top fuel dragsters. The train will then move into a “starting line” position, where it will launch forward, reaching speeds of 120 mph in approximately four seconds.
But hold on this isn’t your father’s roller coaster. The train will then zoom straight up the 420-foot-tall hill on track that will rotate 90 degrees, crest the coaster’s apex and then free fall back to Earth, reaching a speed of 120 mph for the second time. As the train races more than 400 feet to the ground, the track will twist an unbelievable 270 degrees - what a rush! Riders will then return to the station to begin regaling their friends with stories of the greatest ride of their lives.
Oooooooh boy! If you want to see the computer animation for what the ride should be like, click here. Sad part is I still haven’t made it onto the last two big coasters they opened up. Looks like I’ll have to try and make it down there this year.
Posted on 02/13/2003 at 06:58 AM 
Wow! I hate riding roller coasters, if you can believe it, but love the Roller Coaster Tycoon games . . . that’s one sick looking ride!