Millie Miglia

 HCS’s Richard Schnyder Takes to the Road for Cancer Awareness

Richard Schnyder

Richard Schnyder, a Vice President of Sales here at Hollywood Center Studios, recently had a chance to take the trip of a lifetime while assisting in an unusual effort to promote cancer awareness. He was invited to participate in the 2011 Mille Miglia North America Tribute, a car rally inspired by Italy’s classic Mille Miglia road endurance race. Richard spent five days behind the wheel of his spotless Triumph TR-6 navigating a meandering 1000 mile course along the central California coast while visiting dozens of towns and cities along the route.

“A few years ago, I had a chance to visit the beginning of the event in Italy and have always had an interest in participating, Richard recalls. “But in Italy, the wait list is forever.”

Richard took part in the event, which was hosted by Stratus Media Group, to support his friend and fellow car buff John Nikas. Nikas is the founder of Drive Away Cancer and he has been touring the country in a 1953 Austin Healy that serves as a rolling monument to the victims of cancer. Over the course of his journeys, Nikas has invited people whose lives have been touched by cancer to apply their signatures to the outside of his car—he has collected more than 2000 signatures to date.

John Nikas

Nikas’s Austin Healey was an unlikely entrant in Mille Miglia. While a majority of the participating cars had been lovingly restored by their owners to mechanical perfection and showroom splendor, Nikas’s vehicle was virtually held together by chewing gum and chicken wire. As he has crisscrossed the country, Nikas has had to nurse the car along, dealing with oil leaks, bum wiring and compression problems. While some might suggest he find a better car, Nikas insists its struggles add to its symbolic impact as they mirror the challenges faced by cancer patients.

It may therefore come as a surprise to note that, not only did Nikas’s Austin Healey complete the 1000 mile Mille Miglia circuit, it finished first. “Every mile we’ve gone has been a miracle,” Nikas notes. “And not just miraculous because we’ve made it, but because of the impact it’s made on people.”

Richard Schnyder, whose Triumph served as Nikas’s support vehicle, couldn’t agree more. The combination of cars, the California coast and a good cause, he says, made for a magical week. “It was beyond fun.”