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Arrive at the race fresher than ever

One of the nice things about working in automotive media is the perks.

Shoe bag

Shoe bag

Motorsport.com

We no longer get the extravagant gifts that were common in the old days – we’ve heard stories of manufacturers gifting things like mountain bikes and laptops way back when – we still get to experience the odd freebie. Might be the odd track day or pit-side access to the world’s finest races, and we’re more than okay with this. 

For those track days there can be a downside, we’re often asked to wear a shared helmet – worn by who knows how many hundreds of dandruff-laden heads before us. Gross, right? We’ve also been on racetracks where we were asked to wear an old fire suit. They get hot, and again, hundreds of people before us have filled ‘em up with body odor and loads of sweat. So, no thanks. 

 

Shoe bag
Shoe bag

Photo by: Motorsport.com

And even if we’re just attending a race as media, certain areas require a fire suit to access. There are no suits to borrow – thank goodness – but we’re still on the hook for finding one. 

The solution, then, is to bring our own gear. And since we like to travel light, something carryon-sized is the way to go. So we’re particularly stoked on this Sneaker Duffel from San Francisco-based designers, The Shrine.  

Originally designed for carrying two pairs of fresh kicks and some clothes, this bag is also perfect for the auto journalist on the go – or even just someone who likes to arrive at their local trackday in style. 

Two large pockets on either side of the Sneaker Duffel carry – wait for it – a pair of sneakers each. The Shrine says these pockets can fit sneakers up to size 18, so if you’re of average build, your shoes will fit with no problems. 

The main center pocket holds up to three different outfits. So for us, that means a couple pairs of fresh clothes, plus our own fire suit. There’s ample room for toiletries, a tablet, and even a special pocket for watches, cables, chargers, or whatever other gadgets you might need for your race weekend. 

 

Shoe bag
Shoe bag

Photo by: Motorsport.com

 

For us, we can throw one pair of fire-resistant racing shoes in one side pocket, some dinner shoes in the other, and our race suit in the main compartment. With the room left over, we’ll stash some clean shirts, socks and underwear, maybe a mirrorless camera body or two, and the toiletries needed to not stink up the pits as we cover our next race. So that’s one carryon covered – our other will be our own personal helmet in a bag. 

So boom – a quick and stylish way to be ready for any race weekend, anywhere in the country. And we don’t even have to waste cash checking our bags in, hoping they arrive, and then being sad as we walk around a strange city covered in tire dirt and sweat when said luggage never arrives. Not that we’d know anything about that (we do). If you’re like us, and kind of repulsed by wearing the sweat-stained gear of strangers, you can look into picking up a Sneaker Duffel of your own by clicking here.

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