Frequent readers want no introduction, however in case a few of you forgot, RADwood is considered one of my favourite occasions to attend.

The staff has managed to create a way of life model that celebrates every part RAD-era, not simply the automobiles. And RADwood (the occasion) particularly is a present that offers us all a possibility to admire the best period for motorsport, and additionally among the finest intervals in time for artwork, music, tradition, trend and every part in between. The ’80s and ’90s interval is one which many people really feel nostalgic about, and it’s simple to see how the RAD-era was foundational for popular culture at this time. Fortunately, this time round it was introduced again to its dwelling turf – the San Francisco Bay Space.

Earlier than diving in to RADwood SF 2023, I’d like to offer a particular due to my good friend Matt Brown for serving to me by supplying the pictures for this piece. I sadly had a reminiscence card mishap and misplaced all of the pictures I took personally, however Matt was form sufficient to ship me his RAWs to make use of on this story. 

The venue, San Francisco’s Pier 30, is a spot the RADwood staff tried to make use of for his or her occasion for a very long time, however with many components taking part in into securing the website for RADwood, it wasn’t potential up to now. This time nonetheless, the celebrities really aligned.

Practically 90°F (32°C) out with clear blue skies, a soon-to-be retired naval ship docked behind the venue, and ’80s and ’90s hits taking part in on the 1s and 2s all got here collectively to set the vibe for the day.

The gates opened for staging early within the morning, with flocks of attention-grabbing and eclectic automobiles making their means into the venue. Supras being adopted by mini vans with hydraulics and even a tiny fireplace truck all handed by means of to arduous park of their respective places.

House owners represented their dedication to RADwood to the fullest extent, rocking correct interval right apparel that not solely labored for the occasion’s theme, but in addition managed to tie in a few of their very own automobiles. Take my buddy Richard Chen for instance, who rolled in in his Toyota Crown carrying interval diplomatic chauffeur clothes. It was hilarious and but completely applicable for the event.

Making my means by means of the occasion proved that European economic system and efficiency automobiles took dominance, however that’s to not say the JDM and American fanatics didn’t characterize too. One in every of my favourite pairs was Shareef’s GMC Syclone parked subsequent to his matching Buick GNX.

Throughout the way in which, a line of ’80s sports activities bikes and cruisers greeted friends as they arrived. However nothing got here near my favourite, and what gave the impression to be the organizers’ favourite too given it received RADwood SF 2023’s ‘Better of Present’ award.

This G-Physique Porsche 911 Targa was apparently resurrected not too way back after a 20-year stint in its house owners storage. I recall movies of this automobile going viral just a few years again, however had no thought it was native. There’s a lot to say, that I believe it’d deserve its personal unfold. What do you guys assume – ought to we do a full characteristic on this factor? Contemplating we stay in a world the place each 911 appears to share the identical ethos, it’s fairly refreshing to see a wholly completely different strategy from the opposite aspect of the spectrum.

Persevering with on, there have been undoubtedly others that would’ve taken the prize dwelling too.

With a number of passes by means of the venue full, I used to be cooked. The mix of warmth and never being ready for a sizzling SF day actually took a toll on us. Evidently, the sweat was value it.

RADwood continues to impress us all, with the cycle of occasion individuals continuously exhibiting their dedication to the life-style. It’s protected to say they’re right here for the long term, and also you guys can guess we’ll be there to cowl it once more. ‘Until subsequent yr.

Naveed Yousufzai
Instagram: eatwithnaveed
E mail: naveed@speedhunters.com

Photographs by Matt Brown
Instagram: hushypushy

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