Born and raised in Oak Cliff, this individual claims his miniature lowrider track serves as a personal haven and escapade.
In the backyard of Paul Longoria's Oak Cliff home, you'll find a lively miniature universe bustling with life. Sparkling lowriders glide past a featured barber shop, taco joint, and gas station, complete with police cars and palm trees. The Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge can even be glimpsed in the distance. But how is this possible?
This compact oasis covers about 220 square feet and is home to a miniature lowrider track, designed to emulate the vibrant and iconic Jefferson Boulevard in Dallas[1].
"We've got a big lowrider culture here," explains Longoria, a native Dallasite with deep roots in this neighborhood. "Oak Cliff is where the lowriders reign in Dallas, baby," he says confidently[1].
Longoria built his first miniature lowriders at age 14, entering them into model car shows. After taking a teenage detour into graffiti, he returned to his Lowrider roots in 2019, focusing on developing an engaging space for himself and his kids[1].
"Oak Cliff and the Lowrider culture, it's like family. We all know each other, we all respect each other, and it's all about keeping the culture thriving and passing it down to the next generation," Longoria explains[1].
Curious about this remarkable creation? Read on for more on the design, construction, and personal history behind this extraordinary backyard project[1].
What's the deal with this miniature lowrider track?
Longoria's miniature lowrider track is designed for radio-controlled cars and utilizes an array of materials, from cardboard and wood to plastic pieces and graffiti art to create a visually engaging and authentic experience[1].
The track features straightforward street blocks, rather than intricate curves and circles, providing a realistic driving experience. It's an obstacle course of sorts, where players must navigate their miniature vehicles through the scenery without hitting anything[1].
In addition to giant jumps, players will encounter carefully designed "filling stations," "car parks," and immaculate garages, making the track feel more like a bustling city and less like a run-of-the-mill route[1].
Where'd you acquire this miniature lowrider track?
Longoria created it all himself. Building a track like this requires dedication and creativity, calling for careful attention to detail to mimic local architecture, color schemes, and iconic landmarks[1].
Although some buildings are made from durable materials like cardboard and wood, many are more intricate, with decoys hidden inside what appear to be "realistic buildings," adding depth and realism to the scene[1].
The miniature lowriders are also customized, with painters adding vibrant murals, decals, and other artistic elements[1]. Moreover, the cars can be upgraded with more powerful motors and batteries, making them more realistic and easier to control[1].
Where can we find your incredible miniature lowrider track?
You'll find it right in Longoria's backyard! Once an old basketball court, it was transformed into a dazzling miniature Lowrider world[1].
Longoria chose this location to foster a loving bond with his young son and to provide a fun, shared experience that encourages shared creativity and connection[1].
How does having a miniature lowrider track make you feel?
For Longoria, the track offers a unique and fulfilling experience, especially as he watches his son's eyes light up with curiosity and excitement[1].
As he works to nurture his son's natural driving skills, Longoria envisions a future where the track belongs entirely to him; all of the vehicles, an ultimate symbol of their special father-son relationship[1].
How does the miniature lowrider track embody your sense of home?
Longoria fondly refers to this track as "Big P's World," marveling at its vibrant energy and unparalleled replication of his beloved Oak Cliff[1].
Collaboration and community are key components of the Lowrider culture, with friends often contributing buildings and other elements to the track, creating a collective and ever-evolving project[1].
Together, they turn Longoria's backyard into a true representation of Oak Cliff's Lowrider culture, replete with the neighborhood's iconic sights, sounds, and the undeniable energy that pervades its streets every Sunday[1].
This interview has been slightly edited for clarity.
(Arts Access is an innovative arts journalism joint endeavor between The Dallas Morning News and KERA, supported by the Better Together Fund, Carol & Don Glendenning, City of Dallas OAC, The University of Texas at Dallas, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Eugene McDermott Foundation, James & Gayle Halperin Foundation, Jennifer & Peter Altabef, and The Meadows Foundation[1]. The News and KERA retain full editorial control over Arts Access journalism.)
[1] Based on "This North Texan’s miniature lowrider track in his backyard pays homage to Dallas’ iconic Jefferson Boulevard," published on The Dallas Morning News on September 27th, 2022.
[2] "Home is where the art is: North Texans share their unique home galleries," published on The Dallas Morning News on March 6th, 2021.
[3] "Sunday Cruise: Gathering of Hot rods, lowriders, and vintage cars on Jefferson Boulevard," published on KERA on March 1st, 2020.
[4] "Why Oak Cliff’s lowrider culture thrives in Texas," published on D Magazine on November 13th, 2019.
This compact backyard project, known as "Big P's World," is a miniature replica of Oak Cliff's vibrant Jefferson Boulevard, featuring a home-and-garden inspired lowrider track for radio-controlled cars [2]. The track, complete with fillings stations, garages, and iconic landmarks, embodies the unique lifestyle and community that the Lowrider culture represents in the area [1].
