Local resident from Oak Cliff proudly showcases his miniature-lowrider track, deeming it his personal haven or realm.
Rewritten Article:
Take a stroll in Paul Longoria's Oak Cliff backyard and you'll find a miniature version of Jefferson Boulevard, complete with shimmering lowriders, tobacco shops, and taco joints. But wait, haven't we taken a wrong turn?
It's all an illusion, my friend. This ain't no ordinary backyard - it's a compact, 220 square feet track designed to accommodate tiny, remote-controlled lowriders. Look closer, and you'll see the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in the distance, palm trees galore, and even a city gas station. How's that even possible?
"This is home turf for the lowriders, Dallas style," says Longoria, a Dallas native who grew up in Oak Cliff. Back in the day, he was knee-deep in miniature lowriders, entering them into model car shows. After a brief hiatus to indulge in graffiti, he returned to building these diminutive beauties in 2019.
What makes this track stand out is its faithfulness to the real-life lowrider culture of Oak Cliff. It's not just a simple racing track; it's a labyrinth of obstacles that mimic actual boulevard streets, from straightaways to street parks and even gas stations. "It's a big obstacle course," explains Longoria. "You gotta weave through it without knocking down a single piece."
So, where did this creative genius get the inspiration to build this masterpiece? Well, he put in the sweat equity. Taking a trip to MJ Designs, Hobby Lobby, and more, he collected a whole slew of miniature wood, windows, and other knick-knacks to bring his dream to life. "It's all about the creativity," says Longoria. "And if you got the passion for it, you can create anything you want."
[The lowriders] aren't just purchased off the shelf, though. Each one gets a custom paint job and unique murals, making them even more authentic to the full-sized vehicles. And to make things even more realistic, you can upgrade motors, add electricity, and more - just like the real lowriders.
But why build this in his own backyard? Simple - it's a way for him and his son to bond and have fun together. The old basketball court has been transformed into this dynamic playground, and the two of them can spend hours racing each other. "I just love seeing my son's eyes light up when he sees it all," says Longoria. "It's a way for us to create memories, and I wouldn't trade that for anything."
Creating a miniature lowrider track might seem like child's play, but as Paul demonstrates, it requires dedication, creativity, and, most importantly, a love for the art and culture of lowriders. So, if you've got the passion, grab your tools, and start crafting your own miniature masterpiece. Who knows, you might just end up starting a new trend in your own backyard.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
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- Paul Longoria's backyard miniature track, mimicking Jefferson Boulevard, is not just a simple racing track; it's a replica of the Oak Cliff community, complete with lowriders, shops, and streetscapes.
- Each lowrider on the track, although miniature, receives a custom paint job and unique murals, ensuring authenticity to the full-sized vehicles.
- Inspired by the art and culture of lowriders, Longoria built the track using materials collected from MJ Designs, Hobby Lobby, and more, showcasing his creativity and passion.
- The miniature lowrider track serves as a bonding experience for Longoria and his son, creating a home-and-garden venue that hosts hours of family fun and serves as a unique home-and-garden showpiece.
