The Shift Up Now Foundation is excited to announce its partnership with Taylor Ferns in the launch of The Safety Bank, made possible by a $30,000 racing safety gear donation from Sabelt America, a long-time, valued Shift Up Now partner.
The Safety Bank was created by Ferns to provide adequate safety gear to more racers through donations from those with greater access to products. She explained that, as drivers advance in their careers, those with higher profiles are likely to develop partnerships with manufacturers. And over time, they can accrue excess safety products that go unused.
In an effort to allow drivers to easily donate spare items, The Safety Bank will distribute bins to various sanctioning bodies and race tracks, in addition to select motorsports events. The Safety Bank locations will be shared via the organization’s social channels and website. Though logistical details are still being ironed out, The Safety Bank team will also post on social channels about donated items that are available, and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis for distribution.
Ferns said her own long-term racing gear partnership allowed her to amass a suitcase full of extra gloves, shoes, Nomex and other items. And that’s where The Safety Bank idea was formed.
“I’d rather give my extra items to someone who needs them than sell them for a meager cost,” said Ferns. “I know I can’t be the only one with a surplus of safety gear. I think there is a need and I hope to fill the gap. I love racing and only want to help make it better and more accessible for everyone.”
Sabelt America has been an invaluable partner to Shift Up Now for nearly five years. Based in Boca Raton, FL, Sabelt is the global leader in development and manufacture of original equipment, and number one in safety since 1972. Sabelt America provides racewear, harnesses, seats and more for race car drivers.
“At Sabelt America, we believe that safety is the foundation of successful racing,” said CEO Erik Krammer. “We’re proud to support initiatives like Shift Up Now and The Safety Bank, as they align perfectly with our mission to make sure that every racer has access to the equipment they need to stay safe on the track.”
In addition to the significant Sabelt America donation, and as part of its partnership with the Shift Up Now Foundation, 10 female racers across several series have been gifted new Sabelt gloves and boots for their 2025 seasons.
“When Sabelt America approached us about a larger donation of safety gear, we immediately thought of the racing community as a whole,” said Shift Up Now CEO Pippa Mann. “Initially, Sabelt was aiming to have us help facilitate and distribute to our Athletes, but when we connected with Taylor Ferns, we realized The Safety Bank created an opportunity to get the gear out to even more racers who might need new shoes, gloves, suits and other equipment.
“We’re thrilled to help Taylor get this idea launched, and that our partnership with Sabelt America means that The Safety Bank is going to be stocked with a significant amount of gear right from the beginning.”
Drivers and race fans can get the latest updates about The Safety Bank by following along on its social channels: @TheSafetyBank on Instagram, The Safety Bank on Facebook and @thesafetybank_ on X.
