Your normal couch-bound weekend attire won’t cut it during a weekend at the track; tarmac-amplified heat and humidity plus the occasional run-in with a troupe of Umbrella Girls nixes that plan. Instead, race weekend is primetime for packing light, multifunctional duds and accoutrements that don’t skimp on style. Here’s what we stowed in the overhead compartment to make sure we were comfortable, presentable and ready to capture a weekend of high-speed memories at the Grand Prix of the Americas.
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Frank & Oak Canvas and Leather Weekender
Boasting complete product involvement from design to distribution, Montreal, QC based Frank & Oak controls the quality of their goods every step of the way. Their Canvas and Leather Weekender is a carry-on friendly catch-all with enough storage space to smuggle Marc Márquez back to your home track. Stylishly constructed with a thick, durable canvas exterior featuring leather handles and accented zips, it’s built to look good even after beatings usually reserved for checked baggage.
Icon 1000 Navigator Portfolio
When traveling, order is key. Loaded up with passes to the paddock, press credentials, business cards, Moleskin and the requisite phone charger, this oiled-leather and canvas stowable kept everything at arms’ reach in a stylish and organized manner. We’re even using a second one as a tool-roll for our two-wheeled racer at home.
THE PERFECT TRACK SUNGLASSES
If you’re going to be in the stands all day and feel like avoiding the terribly embarrassing ordeal of sunburnt retinas, you’re gonna need some sunglasses; if you’re gonna need some sunglasses and feel like avoiding the terribly embarrassing ordeal of being called “that tool in the shutter shades”, then you’re gonna need some quality glasses. There’s no better pair than Persol’s folding 714s ($380). Yes, they were made famous by Steve McQueen, but try and look past the cliché for a second. They’re exquisitely made, fold down to nothing and come complete with polarized optics for less glare.
Nobis The Fisherman
Years of race track attendance has taught us to always pack rain gear — damn whatever local weather on the 8s has to say. The Fisherman from Nobis is a DWR coated cotton/nylon shell that packs down small and wears like a slim-fit shirt, making your waterproofing techniques infinitely more stylish than the garbage bags see-thru ponchos they sell at the track. Pit-zip vents and a mesh liner keep air flowing to keep you from being steamed, while the moldable peak in the hood channels water away from your face.
Vans Canvas & Chambray Era 59
The ideal race weekend kicks should be comfortable enough to cruise the pits, stylish enough to slink past a maître d and sporty enough to perform double duty at the hotel fitness center (should you feel the need to work off that trackside turkey leg). The Canvas and Chambray Era 59s from Vans nail it. Their style is classic and understated, and the trusty waffle soles keep the dogs from barking.
Quiksilver Platypus 21” Amphibians
Boardshorts are loud. Quiksilver Amphibians are not. These subtle walking shorts are just as happy wet as they are dry. Available in mostly muted tones, they’re ideal for any foul weather at the track, dips in the pool or hitting a few of Austin’s famed 6th Street patio bars on a hot afternoon.
Canon EOS Rebel T5i
With an 18-megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, Canon’s Digic 5 processor and the ability to shoot at five frames per second, the fully loaded T5i is more than up to the task of capturing 220 mph motorcycles. The T5i also handles 1080p video with ease and the 3-inch touch-screen makes on the fly edits a breeze.
