By: Kyrie Sismaet By: Kyrie Sismaet | April 11, 2022 | Lifestyle
The exhilarating rush of barrelling down a steep hill, the crowd of thousands cheering you on as you race your car to the finish line and claim your well-earned trophy. This car race experience is exactly what transpired last Sunday at Excelsior’s McLaren Park, although not with the traditional vehicles you may have in mind.
After a long and much-anticipated wait, San Francisco’s official Soapbox Derby by the SFMOMA made its grand and colorful return since its first appearances in 1975 and 1978.
Thousands of spectators came out to witness this historical event, as 57 different motorless cars participated in the downhill race on John F. Shelly Drive, with the vehicles being just as, if not more, vibrant and unique.
The joyous and thrilling event was full of laughs and amusement just as much as the imperfect and windy asphalt track was with various potholes and cracks, providing fodder for hilarious blunders and wipeout moments. Such falls did not go unnoticed though, as apart from the actual first place trophy were other winnable categories such as “Best of the Worst,” “Slowest,” and the coveted, “Most Graceful Wipeout.”
After a quick inspection in the pit where fans of all ages could personally meet the thrill-seeking car artists, all 57 were off! Zooming past those veering off left and right into the graceful wipeout zone, first place went to John Casey with his creatively speedy creation, "The Hairy Eyeball."
John Casey's winningly creative vehicle.
The race was bantered on by KGO anchor Kumasi Aaron, and Pendarvis Harshaw, the host of KQED’s Rightnowish, both providing comedic and color commentary without missing a moment.
Hosts Pendarvis Harshaw and Kumasi Aaron served as an entertaining live commentators.
In the four judges' seats were drag queen and educator Per Sia, musician and activist La Doña, and two of notable fame from the original 1975 race. Dorcas Moulton was a 1975 competitor who ingeniously raced in a soapbox made entirely of bread, and Amanda Pope created a documentary all about the uniquely original spectacle.
An archival photo from the original 1975 event.
Numerous other awards were handed out afterwards at the nearby Jerry Garcia Amphitheater such as “Most Flamboyant,” “Clunkiest,” “Best Pun,” and more. From a giant pencil to giant realistic shrimp, see the following photos for a few of the most distinct and out-of-the-box functionally artistic creations!
Here’s to hoping this event makes another speedy return, as its quirkiness definitely puts San Francisco first in unique charm.
Photography by: Ezequiel Garrido/Unsplash
