10/05/2026
Spirit of Schuyler recently received a $1,500 donation raised through the Stars, Stripes and Speed event held over the summer at Watkins Glen International.
Organized with the support of Hooked on Driving and 607 Motorsports, Stars, Stripes and Speed brought thousands of automotive enthusiasts and community members together for an Independence Day celebration featuring a car show, on-track racing, drifting exhibitions and ride-alongs, parade laps, contests, vendors, live entertainment and other activities.
Proceeds from the event's parade laps around Watkins Glen International benefited Spirit of Schuyler, a volunteer organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Schuyler County by providing financial assistance to local residents facing emergencies.
"We are incredibly grateful to Hooked on Driving, 607 Motorsports and everyone who participated in Stars, Stripes and Speed," said Tony Vickio, President of Spirit of Schuyler. "This generous donation will directly support Schuyler County residents during times when an unexpected emergency can create a tremendous financial burden. It is especially meaningful to see the automotive community come together at Watkins Glen International to support its neighbors."
Hooked on Driving provides high-performance driving experiences focused on instruction, safety and responsible driving for participants ranging from first-time drivers to experienced enthusiasts. Locally based 607 Motorsports helps connect and engage the region's automotive community through events and shared experiences. Together, the organizations created an event that celebrated automotive culture while generating meaningful support for the community.
Spirit of Schuyler also extends its sincere appreciation to Watkins Glen International for its support of Stars, Stripes and Speed and for its continued commitment to the organization. Watkins Glen International will once again host Spirit of Schuyler's annual fundraiser, The Gathering, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Glen Club.
"The support of Watkins Glen International goes well beyond providing a venue," added Vickio. "By helping us promote and host The Gathering, WGI is helping Spirit of Schuyler build awareness, bring the community together and raise the funds needed to respond when our neighbors need help most."
Additional information about The Gathering will be announced as it becomes available. To learn more about Spirit of Schuyler, request assistance or make a donation, visit www.spiritofschuyler.org.
About Spirit of Schuyler
Spirit of Schuyler (SOS) is a 501(c)3 volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Schuyler County. Working alongside organizations throughout the county and with support from local residents and sponsors across the country, SOS funds services ranging from emergency car repair for those who rely on a single vehicle to transport their family to work and school, to security deposits for those forced to leave their homes due to unexpected circumstances, to everything in between. SOS seeks to assist residents who fight for their financial independence, support themselves and their families and are self-sustaining until unforeseen situations occur.
Photo Caption
Representatives from Spirit of Schuyler, Hooked on Driving, 607 Motorsports and Watkins Glen International recognize the $1,500 raised for Spirit of Schuyler through the 2026 Stars, Stripes and Speed event. Pictured from left: Cody and Courtney Russo (Hooked on Driving), Stephanie Carl (607 Motorsports), Beth Howard (SOS), Tony and Harriett Vickio (SOS), James Carl (607 Motorsports), Jen Livermore (SOS), and Chris Wickham (SOS)
