Drift Event Rules and Tech Requirements for Slideways Showdown
Questions? Contact Us

At Slideways Showdown, all drivers must follow specific drift event rules and tech requirements to ensure safe and fair competition at every event. Whether you’re new to grassroots drifting or a seasoned pro, understanding these drift event rules and tech requirements is essential before bringing your car to Painesville Speedway or Lorain Raceway Park.

 

Mandatory Driver’s Meeting – Part of Our Drift Event Rules and Tech Requirements

🚨 ALL DRIVERS MUST ATTEND THE MANDATORY DRIVER’S MEETING BEFORE GETTING ON TRACK.

  • Time: The meeting time will be posted at check-in.
  • Location: Typically near the track entrance/ pit area.
  • No Meeting, No Driving: Failure to attend = no track access.

What to Expect in the Meeting:

  • Safety reminders & track conditions
  • Passing & spinout protocols
  • Grid organization & track exit points
  • Event schedule updates
  • Q&A session

General Drift Event Rules and Tech Requirements for All Drivers

✅ Minimum Age Requirement

  • Drivers must be at least 18 years old to participate.
  • 16- and 17-year-olds may be allowed with a signed parental waiver.

✅ Valid Driver’s License Required

  • All participants must hold a valid driver’s license to enter the event.

✅ Driver’s Wristband Required

  • All drivers must sign the waiver at check-in and wear a driver wristband at all times.

✅ Respect Staff & Fellow Drivers

  • Slideways Showdown is a laid-back community, but respect and cooperation are expected on and off the track.
  • Aggressive or unsafe behavior will result in removal from the event.

✅ Helmets Required

  • All drivers and passengers must wear SA2015 or newer helmets while on track.

✅ Fire Extinguishers Are Mandatory

  • All vehicles must have a fire extinguisher mounted within reach of the driver.

✅ No Alcohol or Drugs

  • Zero tolerance policy — Any driver found under the influence will be removed immediately and banned from future events.

✅ No Reckless Driving in Paddock or Parking Area

  • No burnouts, donuts, excessive revving, or speeding in the pit area, paddock, or parking lot.
  • Violation may result in removal from the event.

✅ Passenger Rules

  • Passengers are allowed during practice sessions, but they must:
    • Fit in proper safety restraints
    • Be 18 years of age or have a parent/ guardian present
    • Wear an SA2015+ helmet.
    • Sign a passenger waiver before getting in a car

Comprehensive Vehicle Tech Inspection Requirements for All Slideways Showdown Events

All vehicles must pass a complete tech inspection before entering the track.
🚨 If your vehicle fails tech inspection, you will NOT be allowed to drift until all issues are corrected and your car passes re-inspection — no exceptions.

✅ Fluid Containment & Leak Prevention

  • No leaks of any kind (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, fuel).
  • Catch cans recommended for modified engines.

✅ Battery Installation & Safety

  • Battery must be securely tied down to the chassis using metal brackets.
  • No ratchet straps, bungee cords, or plastic battery boxes.
  • Positive terminal must be covered to prevent short circuits.

✅ Fire Extinguisher (Mandatory)

  • All vehicles must have an accessible fire extinguisher mounted within reach of the driver.
  • Extinguisher must be secured with a metal bracket (no Velcro straps or plastic mounts).

✅ Tow Hooks / Tow Points (Front & Rear)

  • All vehicles must have accessible tow hooks or tow points at the front and rear.
  • Vehicles without proper tow points may be towed in a way that causes body damage
  •  Slideways Showdown is not responsible for any damage caused when recovering a disabled vehicle.

✅ Brakes & Suspension

  • Brakes must be in proper working condition (firm pedal, no leaks).
  • Suspension components (tie rods, ball joints, bushings) must not have excessive play.
  • Coilovers and aftermarket suspension components must be properly installed.

✅ Body Panels & Bumpers

  • All body panels, bumpers, and exterior parts must be securely mounted to the vehicle.
  • Loose body parts must be removed before driving.

✅ Convertible-Specific Roll Bar Requirement

  • Convertibles must have a minimum 4-point roll bar.
  • Roll bar must extend past the driver’s helmeted head.
  • Cars without proper roll protection will fail tech.

✅ Wheels, Tires & Lug Nuts

  • All wheels must have all lug nuts or bolts present and properly tightened.
  • Tires must be in safe condition with no cords showing.

✅ Seats & Mounting

  • All seats must be securely mounted with at least 4 bolts to the chassis.
  • Seats should have minimal movement.
  • Sliding seat rails are acceptable if properly secured.

✅ Helmet & Safety Gear

  • All drivers and passengers must wear a Snell SA2015 or newer helmet.
  • All occupants must wear closed-toe shoes while in the vehicle.

✅ Proper Safety Restraints (Match to Build)

  • Stock Seat + Stock Seatbelt = ✅
  • Bucket Seat + Stock Seatbelt = ✅
  • Bucket Seat + 4-Point (or higher) Harness + Harness Bar = ✅
  • Bucket Seat + 4-Point (or higher) Harness + Full Roll Cage = ✅
  • Mismatched setups (e.g., bucket seat with stock lap belt and no harness bar) will fail.

✅ Windshield & Visibility

  • Windshields are required unless car is fully caged and uses Lexan windows.
  • Lexan must be securely mounted.
  • Side windows are optional but recommended for tandem.

✅ “No Pass, No Drive” Clause

🚨 If your vehicle does not pass tech inspection, you will NOT be allowed to drift until all issues are corrected and your car passes re-inspection. No exceptions.

 

Rules Enforcement & Disqualification at Slideways Showdown

🚨 Slideways Showdown reserves the right to remove any driver from the event for:

  • Ignoring staff instructions.
  • Intentional contact during practice sessions.
  • Reckless or unsafe driving that puts others at risk.
  • Failing tech inspection after a crash.

🚨 No refunds will be issued for disqualified drivers.

Media & Photography Rules for Drift Events

🎥 By participating in Slideways Showdown, all drivers agree to:

  • Being photographed & filmed for event promotions.
  • Allowing Slideways Showdown to use media for marketing, social media, and website content.
  • No unauthorized drones unless pre-approved.
  • All on track media is by application only. See media application page

Important Disclaimer – Participating in Drift Events at Your Own Risk

⚠️ Motorsports Are Dangerous
By participating in Slideways Showdown, all drivers, passengers, and spectators acknowledge that drifting is inherently dangerous and they participate at their own risk.

⚠️ Rules & Schedule Flexibility
Slideways Showdown reserves the right to modify event schedules, rules, or safety requirements at any time for operational or safety reasons.

Contact Us with Questions About Our Drift Event Rules and Tech Requirements

Our team is happy to clarify any requirements before the event.
📧 Contact us HERE or message us in our NE Ohio Drifting Facebook Group.