Slipstreaming in Heat: Pedal to the Metal gives two spaces of movement without adding to the Speed value used for corner checks. The distinction matters most when the slipstream crosses a Corner Line. This guide covers the base-game sequence and practical positioning; the corner and finish guide covers Heat costs and race order in detail.
Where does slipstream occur in the turn?
The relevant sequence is: reveal and move, resolve any Adrenaline and React effects, then choose whether to Slipstream, then Check Corner. A Boost in the React step may change both your position and your Speed. Your slipstream position is evaluated after React, so ending near a car before those effects does not guarantee a slipstream if you move away.
When are you eligible?
If your car lands next to another car or in a Space behind a car or cars at the slipstream step, you may choose to slipstream. You do not have to use it. You can slipstream once per turn in the basic game, even if the two-space move leaves you near another car. If the final Space has no free Spot, put your car in the first Space with a free Spot behind the blocking cars.
How many spaces, and does it add Speed?
The normal slipstream moves your car two Spaces forward. Those two Spaces do not increase your Speed for Check Corner. Your Speed comes from the values of cards in your Play Area plus any applicable additions, including +1 for an Adrenaline bonus. Boost movement gained through React counts toward Speed. The physical distance your car traveled and its Speed for a corner can therefore be different numbers.
Can you slipstream across a corner?
Yes. Crossing a Corner Line with the slipstream still makes you check that corner in step 7. Compare the corner limit with your Speed without adding the two slipstream Spaces. If the Speed exceeds the limit, pay the difference in Heat. If you cross two Corner Lines in one turn, check and pay for each separately in crossing order.
Example: Your revealed cards and other Speed additions total 4. You finish movement behind another car, choose the two-Space slipstream, and cross a corner with a limit of 4. You check the corner, but your Speed remains 4, so that corner costs no Heat. If the corner limit were 3, you would pay 1 Heat, even though the line was crossed during the slipstream.
When should you decline it?
Look one or two Spaces beyond your current car before choosing. If the slipstream carries you across a second Corner Line with a lower limit, you may owe Heat for that corner as well. If it lands in a blocked Space, the benefit may be smaller than two full Spaces. Since the move is optional, you can remain where you are if the extra position creates a worse corner result.
Can slipstream win the race?
No. The basic-game rulebook says slipstreaming cannot be used to cross the finish line or after you have crossed it. Plan to cross with your card movement, Adrenaline, or React effects instead. If multiple cars finish in the same round, the car furthest ahead wins, with the Spot closest to the Race Line breaking a side-by-side tie.
Related Heat guides
Rules source
Days of Wonder, Heat basic-game rulebook (PDF), especially the turn sequence, Slipstream, Check Corner, and How to Win sections. Checked October 2026.