Travelers Celebrated Route 66 Centennial in Oklahoma

Groups from around the world traversed the historic route in both classic sports cars and tractors.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Car Culture

Screen-print poster illustration of a classic roadster and a tractor on a long desert highway, evoking Route 66 centennial travel. — International travelers gathered in Oklahoma to mark the 100th anniversary of Route 66, completing cross-country expeditions using everything from vintage sports cars to tractors. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you enjoy taking a cross-country road trip to celebrate a historic anniversary?

As Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, international travelers have arrived in Oklahoma to drive the historic highway. Participants include enthusiasts in vintage sports cars and a Swiss group traveling on tractors.

Why it matters

The centennial celebration highlights the enduring cultural legacy of Route 66 as a global destination for automotive tourism. These unique expeditions demonstrate the diverse ways visitors engage with American history and road travel culture.

The tractor convoy maintains a top speed of 25 mph, covering 95 miles per day with a scheduled stop at 4 p.m. The group consists of 21 travelers operating four tractors, supported by two RVs and additional vehicles.

The players

Route 66

Known as the Main Street of America, this historic highway served as a primary route for travelers heading west for decades.

The details

The Swiss tractor group maintains a modest pace while making their way toward Santa Monica, California, to mark the anniversary. Meanwhile, a separate contingent of Porsche 911 owners, who have organized road trips since 2018, shipped their cars from Southern California to Wisconsin to complete their cross-country trek using traditional paper maps.

2018 marks the year the Porsche enthusiast group began organizing road trips.
2026 serves as the official centennial year for Route 66.
Sept 9 was the date the tractor group planned to reach Santa Monica.

Roadmap

These expeditions underscore a broader shift in automotive culture where enthusiasts prioritize the heritage experience of historic driving routes over modern performance metrics. This highlights how legacy infrastructure remains a focal point for global tourism as brands and clubs lean into the nostalgia of the open road.

Drivers in Oklahoma should remain aware of slow-moving vehicle convoys like the tractor group traveling at 25 mph on regional roads. These events may also lead to increased traffic and higher concentrations of vintage cars at local historical sites like the Round Barn in Arcadia.

The takeaway

Travelers seeking to experience historic routes should plan for the logistical limitations of vintage machinery to ensure a smooth journey. Engaging with local history through these endurance-style trips offers a unique perspective on the evolution of American transit.