Dragster needs repairs

SANDUSKY — If Cedar Point wants to reopen Top Thrill Dragster, then it must comply with a series of demands that involve repairs to the roller coaster. In a document recently released by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, state inspectors noted areas of the ride must be fixed before the Dragster can reopen. The state ordered Cedar Point to stop operating the roller coaster last August immediately after a small metal plate came loose and struck a 44-year-old Michigan woman in the head, causing serious injury. Cedar Point announced on Friday that Dragster will not open for the 2022 season. Last August's accident was the subject of an investigation from the state agriculture department that wrapped up late last week. A report issued by investigators determined Cedar Point committed no violations of state law relating to the accident. Included with state investigators' report was an inspection summary completed by state ride safety inspectors. The inspection, which happened on Aug. 16 of last year, listed a series of deficiencies found on the ride: • Multiple loose bolts in fixed brake fins and brake framework • Suspected damage to brake assembly • Multiple bolts found to be of different or improper grade • Several mechanical issues with the train cars, including a missing bolt on one, a missing bracket on another and a loose bracket on a third. According to the inspection report, the "Stop Operation Order" imposed by the state will not be lifted until these repairs are made and the ride is considered "compliant." There's no deadline for the stop order — that will remain in place until Cedar Point is in compliance, state agriculture department spokesperson Shelby Croft said. The state's report indicated that Cedar Point and the Dragster's manufacturer had agreed to reduced offseason maintenance of the ride, also called "overhaul" procedures, after the 2020 season because of decreased usage of the ride during the pandemic. Investigators said they took this fact into account when determining no violations on behalf of the park, stating that the park adhered to its reduced overhaul agreement. It is not known if, or when, the park intends to fix the issues with the coaster trains and brakes. Park spokesman Tony Clark told the Register that the coasters undergo bi-annual inspections with a full examination of ride structures, control systems, ride vehicles and operating procedures. Clark said the inspections are necessary for renewal of every ride's operating license. "Each day, our maintenance team inspects the components of our rides multiple times," Clark said. "These daily inspections result in adjustments, including regular bolt tightening and replacement." Speculation on the future of the Top Thrill Dragster runs the gamut. Coaster enthusiasts have been expressing their concerns and opinions online. "The fact that the same part on other trains had similar wear leads me to believe it wasn't just a one in a million freak thing and that there is reasonable evidence this *could* happen again," wrote one user on a pointbuzz.com forum. "If Top Thrill Dragster was to be removed, I honestly don't think I could handle it. I'm having a hard enough time with Wicked Twister. I hope Top Thrill Dragster reopens in 2023," wrote another. Others are optimistic the ride could open again despite the officials' announcement. "While it is likely, we shouldn't assume it will never open for 2022 until it doesn't actually open for 2022," another user wrote. "There is always a chance once the park determines it can open without the same situation happening again." Clark did not provide a definite timeline on the rides re-opening. "The ride will remain closed while we evaluate its future, and we will share more information at the appropriate time," Clark said. Top Thrill Dragster opened in 2003, a $25 million investment made by Cedar Point. - Appreciate news from your community? Click here to subscribe to the Register. - Read more stories on this topic below: