Submitted by America’s Automotive Trust.
TACOMA, WA — America’s Automotive Trust, the Detroit Auto Show, and the National Route 66 Centennial Commission are proud to announce The Drive Home VII: Route 66 – A Century of Adventure, a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country drive celebrating the 100th anniversary of the legendary Route 66, with a focus on Route 66 preservation success stories and spotlighting future needs. This commemorative event will begin on January 3, 2026, in Santa Monica, California, and span the full length of Route 66, arriving nine days later in Chicago, Illinois on January12. The vehicles will then be on display at the world-class Detroit Auto Show beginning on January 14.
In collaboration with the Detroit Auto Show and the National Route 66 Centennial Commission, AAT’s seventh rendition of The Drive Home will spotlight vintage, Route 66-inspired vehicles making the historic journey across America’s most iconic highway. From sun-drenched Pacific shores to the heart of the Midwest, the nine-day journey will bring automotive enthusiasts, cultural historians, and communities together to honor the road that connected a nation—and defined a century of travel, adventure, and Americana.
“The Drive Home series is a partnership of America’s Automotive Trust and the Detroit Auto Show to celebrate America’s automotive history, honor Detroit as the home of the American car industry, and promote today’s automotive culture,” stated David Madeira, CEO of the Trust, in making the announcement.
“The Drive Home VII: Route 66 – A Century of Adventure will celebrate more than just the historic Route itself. The Drive will visit the small towns and frequent the motels, restaurants, and shops which continue to operate today in spite of the fact that the major highways bypass them. We are honored to be joined in this effort by the National Route 66 Centennial Commission and endorsed as an official event of this year-long celebration” Madeira continued.
“The National Route 66 Centennial Commission is proud to endorse The Drive Home event
celebrating the rich tapestry of people and places that are the heart and soul of Route 66.
We hope you’ll join with us in commemorating the “Mother Road” that now— even 100 years later— is still bringing people together,” said Rod Reid, Chairman of the National Route 66 Centennial Commission.
The Route 66 Centennial Preservation and Economic Development Grant program – an Official Route 66 Centennial activity recommended by the National Route 66 Centennial Commission, is a key initiative of the Road Ahead Partnership.
The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership manages and promotes the grant program, ensuring that it effectively supports the preservation and economic development of Route 66.
Chair of the Road Ahead Partnership and member of the US Route 66 Centennial Commission, Bill Thomas, said, “We are delighted that The Drive Home will celebrate Route 66 preservation success stories and recognize ongoing needs through support for the Route 66 Centennial Preservation and Economic Development Grant Program.”
Following the final stop at Jackson Boulevard and Adams Street in downtown Chicago—recognized as the official terminus of Route 66—the vehicles will continue “home” to Detroit for a final celebration and ten-day exhibition at the Detroit Auto Show opening January 14. The exhibit, with films and images from the journey, showcased with the cars of today and tomorrow will vividly demonstrate the importance of the automobile in our culture.
“The Detroit Auto Show is proud to be the final destination for The Drive Home VII: Route 66 A Century of Adventure, a once-in-a-century journey honoring America’s most legendary highway,” said Sam Klemet, Executive Director of the Detroit Auto Show. “Arriving in Detroit to help kick off the Auto Show in January 2026, this drive is a powerful tribute to the past, present, and future of the automobile. Detroit is the motor city—and it’s only fitting that The Drive Home ends where the story of American mobility continues to evolve.”
The Drive Home VII: Route 66 – A Century of Adventure is more than a road trip—it’s a rolling tribute to the cars, culture, and communities that shaped America’s love affair with the highway.
To learn more, follow the journey, or get involved, visit americasautomotivetrust.org/thedrivehome
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