HOT ROD Power Tour 2026 Kicks Off on Route 66 in Illinois

Is it too early to start planning for things to do in 2026? Nope! There’s a reason many events book their dates and locations before the beginning of the year. It gives fans plenty of time to prepare.

Prepare for a celebration of freedom, driving, and American cars

The HOT ROD Power Tour 2026 is primed to celebrate a century of Route 66. The celebration kicks off at the Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois, June 8th, with a massive car show, loads of vendors, an entertainment stage with performers and of course - drag racing.

The tour begins June 8 at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet

The tour continues on day 2 south to Rantoul, Illinois, where a special venue and activities are being put together. Day 3 of the tour lands in Madison, Illinois at World Wide Technology Raceway, with all types of driving opportunities, including drag racing and autocross.

Americans love their cars and the freedom of the open road

From there the Power Tour crosses the Mississippi River and Springfield, Missouri on day 4, and into Tulsa, Oklahoma on day 5. In all, five days of following Route 66 from Joliet to Tulsa, with car enthusiasts and special events that have been a century in the making.

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This summer the United States celebrates the semiquincentennial. Before that, legendary Route 66 celebrates its centennial of 100 years. The Route 66 centennial is a perfect lead in to the semiquincentennial because in America we love our cars. The car in the USA equals freedom to roam. Route 66 was the path for so many to exercise that freedom from the middle of the country to the west coast. Plan the celebrations of freedom beginning in Illinois next June.