Top Thrill 2 takes shape for debut

Editor's note: Don Helbig is a Register correspondent representing themeparksbydon.com. SANDUSKY — Excitement is building amongst roller coaster fans as construction at Cedar Point on Top Thrill 2 progresses rapidly. The new 420-foot spike tower, a key feature on this reimagined steel coaster, is now taking form with five sections already in place. As construction crews diligently work on the spike tower, it's clear that the ride is coming together beautifully. The tower is already almost a third complete, and the addition of track in this section is a significant step forward in the coaster's development. One of the highlights of this new coaster is the cutting-edge linear synchronous motors (LSM) that will propel the train. These motors, installed in the launch area, not only accelerate the train but also facilitate its ascent up the spike tower. On the return side, the installation of magnetic brake fins is complete, and the u-turn that guides the train to the transfer area has been finished. One noticeable aspect that's yet to be completed is the painting of the original 420-foot top hat tower. Its vibrant new colors, a white and red checkered theme, are replacing the original yellow paint, giving the coaster a fresh and updated appearance. Top Thrill 2, poised to be the tallest and fastest triple launch strata roller coaster in the world, is scheduled to make its grand debut in 2024. Riders are in for a unique experience as they join the CP Racing Team and hop into one of the three sleek high-performance racing vehicles. The coaster's open-air seating promises heart-pounding views on what is hailed as the world's first and only dual-tower vertical speedway. The ride begins with a high-speed launch using the LSM launch system, propelling riders down a straightaway at a breathtaking 74 mph, racing toward the sky as they ascend the original top hat tower. An exhilarating moment of weightlessness occurs during the "rollback," a fan-favorite moment when the train reverses direction, followed by a second launch that propels the coaster to 101 mph. The most heart-pounding segment of the ride is yet to come as riders experience Cedar Point from a whole new perspective. They'll zoom backward on a new, 420-foot track tower at a spine-tingling 90-degree angle, once again experiencing weightlessness. The grand finale awaits as the coaster shifts into forward motion for its third launch, reaching the maximum speed of 120 mph. Top Thrill 2 promises to be a world-class thrill ride that will redefine the roller coaster experience when it opens its gates to eager riders next year. Cedar Point enthusiasts and thrill-seekers from around the globe are eagerly awaiting this exciting addition to the amusement park's legendary lineup of world-class roller coasters. The story behind the writer Helbig, a Cincinnati-area native, has a long history with Cedar Fair's parks. He's ridden one of its coasters more than 12,000 times to date. Read more about him at cpfoodblog.com.