10/20/2026
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE SLICK DEVILS CAR CLUB
The Hot Rod Asylum — Cleveland Autorama
For 13 years, the Slick Devils Car Club proudly hosted the Hot Rod Asylum at the IX Piston Powered Auto-Rama in Cleveland, Ohio. What we built was more than a display of cars. It became a show within a show — a gathering place for traditional hot rods, survivors, customs, and gassers, featuring some of the industry's most respected awards and bringing together people who share a passion for traditional hot rodding.
Creating and maintaining the Hot Rod Asylum took years of hard work, countless hours, personal investment, and the support of an incredible community. We worked hard to establish its identity and reputation, and we are proud of what the Slick Devils and our exhibitors accomplished over those 13 years.
Last year marked what we understood to be the final Hot Rod Asylum at the IX Piston Powered Auto-Rama. When we learned that a new company was bringing the Cleveland show back, we saw an opportunity to discuss the possibility of continuing the Hot Rod Asylum under the new ownership.
On Thursday, we participated in a conference call with representatives of Championship Auto Shows. During that conversation, we provided a brief history of the Hot Rod Asylum, explained what we had built, and outlined our budget requirements. We were told we would receive a follow-up on Monday or Tuesday.
Before that follow-up occurred, an announcement appeared on social media stating that the Hot Rod Asylum was accepting applications for gassers in the ballroom. This raised serious concerns for us, as we had not been contacted to discuss the outcome of our conversation or the future of the Hot Rod Asylum name and concept. The announcement was subsequently removed.
We have since received a follow-up from John Kryta, CEO of Championship Auto Shows, explaining the company's position regarding the 2027 Cleveland Autorama.
According to his response, the ballroom has generated significant interest, and the company has made the business decision to rent that space at a premium rather than continue the previous arrangement with a club. The new arrangement would involve charges for individual vehicle entries and the floor space used. We were invited to discuss other areas of the building where our group might participate.
We understand that running a major automotive show involves significant expenses and that a new show operator may choose to change how space is allocated and revenue is generated. We recognize that business arrangements can change.
Our concern is not simply that we may no longer have the ballroom. It is the history, identity, and manner in which this situation was handled.
The Hot Rod Asylum was developed by the Slick Devils through 13 years of dedication. Its name and reputation mean something to the people who helped build it and to the exhibitors who made it successful. Seeing an announcement using that name before our promised follow-up conversation took place understandably raised questions about how our history and identity were being regarded.
We believe a direct conversation should have occurred before an announcement was made. Even when business decisions differ from expectations, clear communication and respect for the people who helped establish an event matter.
After careful consideration, the Slick Devils Car Club will not participate in future Cleveland Autorama events under the new arrangement. This was not a decision we made lightly. We are proud of what we built, but we must also stand by the principles, commitment, and identity that made the Hot Rod Asylum special in the first place.
We are grateful to every car owner, builder, sponsor, supporter, and friend who helped make the Hot Rod Asylum what it was. You brought the cars, shared your knowledge, traveled the miles, and helped create something special. Whatever the future holds, those 13 years cannot be erased.
A name is more than a name. It represents the people, work, and history behind it.
The Slick Devils are proud of the Hot Rod Asylum we built, the community we brought together, and the legacy we created in Cleveland. We will continue to support traditional hot rodding and the people who keep our automotive history alive.
Thank you to everyone who stood with us, showed with us, and helped make the Hot Rod Asylum a special part of the Cleveland automotive scene for 13 years.
13 years of hot rods. 13 years of tradition. 13 years of building something we believed in.
That legacy belongs to the people who made it happen.
— The Slick Devils Car Club
