Question 1

What is The Mother Road Run?

Accepted Answer

The Mother Road Run is a curated cross-country journey along historic Route 66, bringing together classic vehicles, good people, and memorable stops from Chicago to Santa Monica. It is not just a road trip. It is a rolling story.

Question 2

When is the event?

Accepted Answer

June 7-19, 2026.

Question 3

Where does it start and end?

Accepted Answer

The run starts around Chicago and Joliet, Illinois, then finishes in Santa Monica, California.

Question 4

Can anyone join?

Accepted Answer

No. This is an application-based event. We select participants by attitude, vehicle, and overall fit for the experience.

Question 5

What kind of vehicles are allowed?

Accepted Answer

Classic trucks, classic cars, and unique builds are the focus. Vehicles must be safe, road-trip capable, reliable, and able to maintain highway speeds.

Question 6

Can I trailer my vehicle?

Accepted Answer

No. Vehicles must be driven. The point is to put the builds on the road, not just display them at the stops.

Question 7

What if my vehicle breaks down?

Accepted Answer

Participants are responsible for their own vehicles, tools, parts, and recovery plans. That said, the convoy culture is built around helping each other when the road gets interesting.

Question 8

Do I have to do the full trip?

Accepted Answer

No. You can apply for the full run, a segment, or a single day. Full-run applicants get priority when space is limited. A Day Pass is available at $50 per day for single-day participants.

Question 9

What does a typical day look like?

Accepted Answer

A typical day includes a morning meet-up and departure, scenic Route 66 driving, stops at landmarks, food spots, and partner locations, then evening hangouts or events.

Question 10

Do I have to follow the official route?

Accepted Answer

No, but it is highly recommended. The official route is where the convoy, media, sponsor integrations, and shared moments will happen.

Question 11

How many states does Route 66 cross?

Accepted Answer

Eight: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Kansas is the shortest crossing on the entire road, just thirteen miles through Galena, Riverton, and Baxter Springs, but it carries some of the road's gems including the only surviving Marsh Arch bridge on Route 66 and the tow truck that inspired Pixar's Tow Mater.

Question 12

What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Three full-run packages per vehicle: Cruiser $400, Featured Participant $1,000, and Featured Build / Creator Sponsor $2,500. A Day Pass is also available at $50 per day for single-day participants.

Question 13

What's included in the Cruiser package?

Accepted Answer

Driver and co-pilot entry, full route access for all 13 days, VIP nightly hangout access, finale celebration access for two, official credential, lanyard, participant number, windshield banner, and the event merch package (3 shirts, hat, flag, koozie, stickers, sponsor swag). It also includes inclusion in general event coverage.

Question 14

What does the Featured Participant package add?

Accepted Answer

Everything in the Cruiser package, plus professional photography of your vehicle, one professionally edited vertical reel (30–90 seconds), expanded production coverage throughout the run, opportunity for a participant feature or interview, and priority inclusion in long-form and short-form content.

Question 15

What does the Featured Build / Creator Sponsor package add?

Accepted Answer

Everything in the Featured Participant package, plus daily professional photography and short-form video coverage, daily b-roll and an evening footage offload for your own editing and content use, priority rolling shots and cinematic footage, a dedicated long-form YouTube feature segment, official event sponsor listing with logo placement on graphics, signage, flags, lanyards, shirts, and printed materials where applicable, priority vehicle placement at select signature stops, a premium merch package, and the chance to include products in participant swag bags. The intent is to give creators and brands the freedom to enjoy the run while still walking away with professional content, sponsor exposure, and a featured story.

Question 16

Can I do a single day instead?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The $50 Day Pass gets you official daily participant access, cruise lineup access, event access where applicable, daily credential and sticker, and inclusion in that day's media coverage. Apply through the same form and pick 'Single day' for participation type.

Question 17

When do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Accepted full-event applicants pay a $100 non-refundable deposit within 72 hours of acceptance to confirm the spot. The deposit is credited toward the total registration fee. Remaining balances ($300 for Cruiser, $900 for Featured Participant, $2,400 for Featured Build / Creator Sponsor) are due by June 1, 2026 unless otherwise approved in writing. Day Passes are paid by the day and don't require a deposit; unused Day Passes are refundable.

Question 18

What am I responsible for paying separately?

Accepted Answer

Your own lodging, fuel, food, and transportation costs. Hot Rod Power Tour registration (Days 1–5) is also separate, registered and paid for directly with MotorTrend if you want to officially enter that event.

Question 19

Where do we stay?

Accepted Answer

Participants book their own lodging. We don't arrange or curate accommodations, choose what fits your style and budget at each overnight stop.

Question 20

Is food included?

Accepted Answer

No. Food is separate, but the guide will highlight diners, barbecue stops, roadside counters, and other places worth building the day around.

Question 21

Will there be a final event?

Accepted Answer

Yes, two stages on Day 13. The Route 66 End-of-the-Trail finish-line photos happen at Santa Monica Pier from 11am to 1pm. The convoy then heads south to Cruisin' Grand Escondido (downtown Escondido, 4-9pm) for the SoCal finale, dinner, and the open-to-everyone meetup night that closes the run. Cruisin' Grand's reserved parking is for 1973-and-earlier American-made classics; newer convoy vehicles park as spectators or in a separate approved area.

Question 22

How old do I have to be to drive?

Accepted Answer

Drivers must be 16 years or older and properly licensed for the vehicle they're bringing.

Question 23

Can I bring my family and kids?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Families and kids are welcome. The convoy is built for the whole crew. Passengers need to be listed on the application so we can plan capacity, media releases, and event access correctly.

Question 24

Can I bring passengers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but passengers need to be listed in the application so we can plan capacity, media releases, and event access correctly.

Question 25

Are pets allowed?

Accepted Answer

Pet rules will depend on your own lodging, venue policies, and convoy logistics. If this matters for your application, include it in your notes so we can respond directly.

Question 26

Will there be daily Jewish prayer?

Accepted Answer

We will coordinate Minyan opportunities where possible. The application includes an optional, respectful planning section for this.

Question 27

Will the event be filmed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The run is built for photography, video, participant stories, editorial coverage, and sponsor-ready media.

Question 28

Can businesses be involved?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Businesses can sponsor the event, host stops, support the convoy, or discuss media and route integrations.

Question 29

Can I shoot photo or video?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are also hiring media support, and serious photo or video contributors can reach out through the contact form.

Question 30

Will there be merchandise?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Additional state shirts, hoodies, jackets, posters, hats, patches, collectible merch, and a participant photo book will be available separately or by preorder closer to the run. Newsletter list hears first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Basics

Still have a question?

Frequently Asked Questions

Basics

Still have a question?