Convoy Size
25–50
cars and trucks, selected with intent
Small enough for people to know each other, large enough to feel like a real convoy when the line rolls into town.
- Scale
- Personal
- Fit
- Curated
- Pace
- Road-ready
Chicago → Santa Monica · The Centennial Run
The centennial run for the classics and people who belong on this road.
A curated 13-day convoy of classic American cars and trucks across eight states, built around intentional company and the roadside places that made Route 66 matter.
- 2,500+Miles
- 8States
- 13Days
- 25–50Classics
Why 2026
Two anniversaries, one road.
Route 66 turns 100 in 2026, the same year America turns 250. No road tells the American story better. The anniversaries are real, and so is the urgency around the places that still give the road its character.
This isn't a race or a luxury flex. It's a measured convoy where the road, the landmarks, and the people in your mirrors matter more than spectacle.
The Selection
Who this is built for
The run is intentionally specific. That clarity is part of what makes the convoy feel earned instead of generic.
01
Classics, 2004 or older
Built for classic American cars, trucks, and heritage vehicles that feel right on this road. Patina, personality, and a story matter more than perfection.
02
Application-Vetted
Every entry is reviewed for vehicle fit, road readiness, and the kind of participant energy that keeps the convoy intentional.
03
Road-Ready Required
Accepted vehicles need current safety basics covered before departure, including brakes, cooling, lighting, tires, and long-haul reliability.
Readiness
Safety and support
Accepted entrants receive prep guidance before the run. The expectation is simple: if a vehicle joins the convoy, it should be ready to finish the route with confidence.
What Every Entry Includes
Thirteen days. One convoy.
The first five days roll alongside Hot Rod Power Tour (a separate event, registered and paid for directly with MotorTrend) from Joliet to Tulsa. From Tulsa we continue on our own curated Route 66 line to Santa Monica. Every tier includes the full 13 days.
Convoy credentials
Lanyard, windshield decal, and a flag for your vehicle, the visible markers of the convoy.
Convoy apparel
A Mother Road Run T-shirt and hat, sized from your application so it fits when you arrive.
Two-stage finish
Route 66 End-of-the-Trail finish photos at Santa Monica Pier, then south to Cruisin' Grand Escondido for the SoCal finale on Day 13.
Professional coverage
Dedicated event photography and video, plus publicity and media coverage for the convoy.
Pop-up car hangs
Family-friendly meetups in every overnight city, free and open to locals. Tulsa's Mother Road Market handoff, Amarillo's 6th Avenue, the Wigwam at Holbrook, and the Cruisin' Grand finale.
Heritage access
Curated stops at historic roadside sites along the original Route 66 alignment.
Registration
Join the convoy
Three packages, one curated convoy. Pick the level of media and sponsor presence that fits the build. Payment is due in full upon acceptance.
Package 01
Cruiser
$400per vehicle
The full experience without heavy media deliverables.
- Driver + co-pilot entry
- Full route access (all 13 days)
- VIP access to nightly hangouts and events
- Finale celebration access for two
- Credential, lanyard, participant number, windshield banner
- Event merch package: 3 shirts, hat, flag, koozie, stickers
- Inclusion in general event coverage
- Access to participant-only communications
Package 02
Featured Participant
$1,000per vehicle
Complete experience with professional content of your build.
- Everything in the Cruiser package
- Professional photography of your vehicle
- One professionally edited vertical reel (30-90 sec)
- Expanded production coverage throughout the run
- Opportunity for participant feature or interview
- Priority inclusion in long-form and short-form content
- Additional rolling shots and cinematic footage
Package 03
Featured Build / Creator Sponsor
$2,500per vehicle / brand
Premium participant package, official event sponsorship, and dedicated content support.
Built for featured builds, creators, influencers, shops, brands, and businesses that want to physically be part of The Mother Road Run at the highest level. Designed for people who don't want to spend the whole day chasing their own b-roll, rolling shots, photos, and behind-the-scenes content. Our production team helps capture the day so you can focus on driving, enjoying the run, telling your story, and creating your own main content. Each evening you receive a footage and media offload from that day for your own editing, videos, social content, YouTube episodes, and promotional use.
The freedom to enjoy the run while still walking away with professional footage, photos, daily content, sponsor exposure, and a featured story.
Application only · Limited to 50 accepted vehicles
Day Pass · Single Day Option
Drop In for a Day
$50per day
Ride a single leg with the convoy, then peel off. Same road, same content moments, no full-trip commitment.
Apply for a Day Pass- Official daily participant access
- Cruise lineup access
- Event access where applicable
- Inclusion in media coverage
- Daily credential and sticker
- Chance to be featured in event content
Available Separately · Preorder
Additional merchandise.
- Additional state shirts
- Hoodies
- Jackets
- Posters
- Hats
- Patches
- Collectible merch
- Photo book
Preorders open closer to the run · Newsletter list hears first
Important to Know
Before you apply.
You're responsible for
- Lodging
- Fuel
- Food
- Transportation costs
Required to participate
- Media release waiver
- Liability waiver
Drivers
16 years or older.
Family-friendly
Bring kids and family. The convoy is built for the whole crew.
The Goal
A legendary annual run, built around what matters.
- Americana
- Friendship
- Storytelling
- Classic vehicles
- The spirit of Route 66
- Unforgettable memories
The Centennial Year
Answer the call.
America turns 250. Route 66 turns 100. Drive both.