Media Advisory: GTSC, Law Enforcement, Educators and NASCAR Driver Ross Chastain Partner for "No Empty Chair" Event at WGI

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) will join law enforcement, educators, Watkins Glen International and NASCAR driver Ross Chastain at WGI for a press event to mark the 2026 “No Empty Chair” education and enforcement campaign. This campaign raises awareness about responsible driving ahead of prom and graduation season shows students the consequences of making the wrong choices.   

When: 
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
10 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (press event begins at 10:15)

Where: 

Watkins Glen International

2790 County Route 16

Watkins Glen, NY 14891

North Paddock area, next to Media Center (will move inside Media Center if

inclement weather)

Who: 
Mary Tanner-Richter, DMV Deputy Commissioner for Traffic Safety & Investigations
Dawn Burlew, Track President, Watkins Glen International
Undersheriff Craig Bianco, Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office
Ross Chastain, NASCAR Driver
Kim Clark, Mother of Distracted Driving Victim Emilee Rawleigh

Other attendees: Students and educators from Watkins Glen, Odessa and Bradford

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