Kingda Ka closed down for rest of 2009?

Six Flags Great Adventure's crown jewel, Kingda Ka, may be closed for the rest of the year due to problems caused by a lightning strike. Following a visit to the park, Marc Silverman reports that the ride was struck by lightning during a strong storm several weeks ago, after which the ride wouldn't start. The park apparently waited 5 weeks to get new parts, but the ride is still not working, and park technicians were installing a new launch cable on the ride during Silverman's visit on August 4th. In addition, he was told by a crew member that the ride may not reopen this season. Kingda Ka became the world's fastest, tallest roller coaster when it opened on May 21, 2005, reaching a height of 456 feet and speeds of up to 128 mph; its speed record will be eclipsed by the Nurburgring RingºRacer — which goes 0-135mph in just 2.5 seconds — when it officially opens August 15.