Who goes first?
From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in Heat: Pedal to the Metal?

Days of Wonder English rulebook

Heat: Pedal to the Metal game box

There is no permanent first player. After the simultaneous opening steps of a round, resolve the remaining steps starting with the car furthest ahead in the race and continuing in race position order.

Rule details

During setup, place cars randomly in starting-grid positions. Each round begins with simultaneous gear selection and card play before cars resolve their movement.

Our interpretation

Random starting-grid placement determines the opening race positions; it does not create a lasting player-turn order.

Source & edition

All 15 Days of Wonder starting rules

Image: © Days of Wonder and any cover-art licensors or artists (precise ownership not stated on product page) · Asmodee

If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.

If there’s a tie

The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.

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