The 2026 Hot Rod Power Tour Takes Over Route 66

Every car enthusiast dreams of driving historic Route 66. It’s the highway that defined American car culture, and it will soon turn 100 years old. To mark the occasion, the 2026 Hot Rod Power Tour is heading to the “Mother Road” for a week of burning gas and torching tires. This isn’t just a car show; it’s the world’s biggest rolling automotive festival, and next summer it spans from Illinois to Oklahoma.

The schedule puts drivers on the road from June 8 through June 12. Everything starts at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois. The kickoff includes a massive car show and a manufacturer midway, but the real draw is the dragstrip. Registered participants can run their cars down the track before the convoy moves out. From there, the group heads to the Village of Rantoul. Organizers haven’t dropped all the specifics for this stop yet, but they promise a local feel at this former Air Force base community.

Midweek brings the noise to World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis. This stop offers a full day of abuse for tires, with both drag racing and autocross open to attendees. The 2026 Hot Rod Power Tour then rolls into Springfield, Missouri. Since the Missouri State University Bears are on break, the school is opening its athletic parking lots to host thousands of hot rods. The trip wraps up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with a final celebration at Tulsa Raceway Park.

Enthusiasts have a few ways to join the convoy. The “Long Hauler” ticket is the badge of honor for anyone driving the entire route. It comes with a special plaque, a car pass, and two admission tickets for every stop. If you want better parking and lunch included, look at the Platinum or Gold packages. For locals who just want to see the cars when they roll through town, single-day passes are available.

This event is the first of two major celebrations for the highway’s centennial. It’s a rare chance to drive historic pavement with thousands of like-minded gearheads. Make sure to prep your ride and grab tickets early for the 2026 Hot Rod Power Tour.