Celebrating Route 66 with the HOT ROD Power Tour and Drag Week in 2026
The legendary HOT ROD Power Tour and the extremely competitive HOT ROD Drag Week are set to return in 2026, marking a grand celebration of the historic Route 66. Known as America's Main Street, this iconic highway will host the events, attracting car enthusiasts from far and wide.
Event Details: Power Tour
The 32nd annual HOT ROD Power Tour is scheduled to take place from June 8 to June 12, 2026. Fans can look forward to an incredible lineup of cities along Route 66, each hosting events designed to showcase a diverse array of automobiles. Starting in Joliet, Illinois at the Route 66 Raceway, the tour will navigate through:
- - June 9: Village of Rantoul, Rantoul, Illinois
- - June 10: World Wide Technology Raceway, St. Louis, Missouri
- - June 11: Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri
- - June 12: Tulsa Raceway Park, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Throughout this period, the Power Tour will exhibit an astonishing collection of over 6,000 vehicles, representing various makes and models, capturing the hearts of tens of thousands of enthusiasts and fans.
Event Highlights: Drag Week
Following the Power Tour is the 22nd edition of HOT ROD Drag Week, scheduled from September 13 to September 18, 2026. This thrilling competition allows racers to test their street-legal drag cars across selected venues. The events will begin and end at the Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL, with additional stops including:
- - September 15: Byron Dragway, Byron, Illinois
- - September 16: Cordova Dragway, Cordova, Illinois
- - September 17: World Wide Technology Raceway, St. Louis, Missouri
This week-long challenge is not just about speed; participants will cover approximately 1,000 miles, navigating from city to city while competing for the best elapsed time over the five days.
Registration Information
Those interested in taking part in the Power Tour can stay tuned for the registration details, which will be available in early 2026. For the Drag Week, registration will open in February of the same year. Fans and participants can connect social media platforms to stay updated on the latest news and surprises.
For more details about the HOT ROD Power Tour, you can visit
hotrod.com/hot-rod-power-tour or follow their social media channels including Facebook, X, and Instagram. Similarly, details regarding HOT ROD Drag Week can be found at
hotrod.com/hot-rod-drag-week.
About HOT ROD
Since its inception in 1948, HOT ROD has established itself as the definitive brand in high-performance automotive culture. Today, it encompasses a range of media platforms, including print, digital, and social media, delivering unparalleled content and experiences to car enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The 2026 HOT ROD Power Tour and Drag Week promise to be unforgettable events celebrating the culture of speed and performance along one of America’s most famous roadways. Get ready to rev up those engines and hit the road for a week of camaraderie, competition, and classic car showcases as Route 66 is transformed into a car lover’s paradise.