The Top Thrill Dragster debuted at Sandusky Ohio’s Cedar Point on May 4th, 2003, as the tallest roller coaster in the world until the opening of Kingda Ka in 2005, and became one of the most anticipated, popular rides at the park.  

The Dragster had its downfalls, however, experiencing many mechanical failures and operation issues. The coaster was considered one of the biggest liabilities at the park and was forced to close during any weather events and windy days that occurred.  

In August of 2021, a woman named Rachel Hawes was severely injured standing in line waiting for the ride and was hit in the head by an L shaped bracket that came loose from the ride. The coaster has remained closed since, and Cedar Point has announced that the ride will be permanently closing after 19 years of operation.  

Fans of the coaster were devastated by the news, and many are mourning the retirement of the ride that dazzled millions. As avid rollercoaster enthusiast and former Dakota student, Colin MacNeil, pined “There is a Dragster shaped hole in my Dragster shaped heart.” 

The Coaster remains standing, ominously looking over the park it once brought joy and thrill to, waiting for its tracks to finally be dismantled, and rest after years of high-speed wonder.