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

The staff has managed to create a way of life model that celebrates the whole lot RAD-era, not simply the vehicles. And RADwood (the occasion) particularly is a present that provides us all a possibility to admire the best period for motorsport, and additionally top-of-the-line durations in time for artwork, music, tradition, trend and the whole lot 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 present. 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 present a particular because of my buddy Matt Brown for serving to me by supplying the photographs for this piece. I sadly had a reminiscence card mishap and misplaced all of the photographs I took personally, however Matt was type 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 elements enjoying into securing the web site for RADwood, it wasn’t attainable previously. This time nonetheless, the celebs 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 enjoying 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 vehicles making their approach into the venue. Supras being adopted by mini vans with hydraulics and even a tiny fireplace truck all handed via to onerous park of their respective areas.

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

Making my approach via the occasion proved that European financial system and efficiency vehicles took dominance, however that’s to not say the JDM and American fans didn’t characterize too. Considered one 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 visitors as they arrived. However nothing got here near my favourite, and what gave the impression to be the organizers’ favourite too given it gained 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 homeowners storage. I recall movies of this automobile going viral a number of years again, however had no concept 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 reside in a world the place each 911 appears to share the identical ethos, it’s fairly refreshing to see a completely totally different strategy from the opposite facet of the spectrum.

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

With a number of passes via the venue full, I used to be cooked. The mixture 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 consistently exhibiting their dedication to the life-style. It’s secure 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 12 months.

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

Images by Matt Brown
Instagram: hushypushy

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