SFMOMA's Soapbox Derbies in were the stuff of legends. Between the two races in 1975 and 1978, the museum commissioned cars and trophies from more than 200 artists — including Ruth Asawa, Robert Arneson, Ant Farm, Viola Frey, Mike Henderson, and many more— thousands gathered to watch the races unfold. In April 2022, SFMOMA decided to revive the tradition.

SFMOMA artist Janet Delaney returned to the Soapbox Derby this time joined by artist and exhibit developer Sam Haynor and muralist and interdisciplinary artist Crystal Vielula. The trio have grand ambitions to build a “wild and crazy soapbox that will evoke serendipitous urbanism.”

As part of the build team, Michael worked on all aspects of assembling the chassis and body, as well as exterior decoration and, most importantly, bubble engineering for the tailpipe.