Killarney race course in Cape Town comes to life every Wednesday evening with petrol heads lining up to see if they can show off their remodeled cars and driving skills. With engines revving and adrenaline pumping, two drivers stare each other down while they wait for the signal to push their vehicles to the limit. With the crowd cheering, the wheels of the cars screech as they take off, a cloud of smoke creating a ghostly silhouette. It’s all about who can get to the finish line first, and look cool while doing it.
Robot2Robot started in 2015 as an initiative to curb illegal street racing in Cape Town and to give those who are interested in the activity, as a driver or spectator, a safe environment for racing. In an effort to keep racers off the streets, the City of Cape Town provided funding for the event. While the investment from the city is crucial, Reagan Paulsen (co-founder of Youth95 streetwear) states that it is important that the people who attend the events and have a love for the street racing scene are the ones who are documenting its cultural history.
Understanding the connection between Robot2Robot and certain aspects of street culture in Cape Town, Corner Store teamed up with photographer Nick van Tiem for an editorial at Killarney, tapping into the elements that keep people coming every Wednesday. Models are photographed as members of the crowd caught in a moment of intense reflection. The mood of the editorial shifts with images echoing the slow sunset.
