Teams

KISS Army Personnel Carrier

Garage Headquarters: The Mission, San Francisco, CA

Driver: John Duran

Mechanics: Rick Ebert, Rebecca Krueger, Colin Maginnis, David Watkins, Scott Davis

Nuts and Bolts:

When John Duran was in fourth grade, he competed in the New Berlin, Wisconsin, Soap Box Derby, on one of the few dedicated soap box derby tracks in America. Now a 32-year-old residing in San Francisco, he’s preparing for a soapbox race once again, only this time it’s on a public thoroughfare in the heart of the City by the Bay. “I live three blocks away from Dolores Park,” John says, clearly anticipating a home field advantage. “I hang out there every weekend.” John and his friends Scott Davis, Rick Ebert, Rebecca Krueger, Colin Maginnis, and David Watkins are building a racer that’s inspired by “those in the Mission who love to rock” (and that’s not a reference to Dave’s success as a competitive rock climber). They call their vehicle the KISS Army Personnel Carrier.

With job experience in fields including design and product development, the teammates are having a blast brainstorming their racer concept in John’s art studio and metal workshop across the bay in Berkeley. And since three of the crew are musicians, they’re rather uniquely equipped to channel what John calls the “authenticity and ridiculousness of KISS” as they perform a live song for the crowd on race day. So stand back – because there’s nothing in the rules that forbids tongue wagging and blood spitting. John sums up, “We’re going to be awesome.”