Tulsa's Route 66 Centennial Cruise Aims for Guinness World Record

TULSA, OK – January 09, 2026 – As the nation prepares to celebrate the 100th birthday of the iconic Route 66, the city of Tulsa is gearing up to shift the festivities into high gear. The planned "Route 66 Capital Cruise: Classic Car Centennial Parade," set for May 30, 2026, has been elevated to an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt, a bold move intended to cement Tulsa's status as the heart of the Mother Road.

An official adjudicator from Guinness World Records will be on-site to verify the attempt, adding a layer of global significance to what is already anticipated to be one of the largest centennial celebrations in the country. The city is not just hosting a party; it is making a bid for the history books.

"In Tulsa, we don't do anything halfway," said Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols. "Making Capital Cruise an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt adds another layer of excitement to what was already going to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration in The Capital of Route 66®. This will be a true citywide celebration, from north to south and east to west, and we can't wait to show the world how we'll celebrate the Mother Road in Tulsa."

A Bold Bid for the History Books

The specific title Tulsa is aiming for is the "largest parade of classic cars." To achieve this, the city must surpass the current record of 2,491 vehicles, a milestone set by Practico Events in Dorado, Puerto Rico, on April 30, 2017. Guinness World Records defines a classic car for this attempt as any vehicle manufactured more than 30 years prior to the event date. In line with this, Tulsa's Capital Cruise requires all participating vehicles to be model year 1996 or older.

Organizers have set an ambitious target of attracting over 3,000 classic cars, not only to break the record but to shatter it. The effort is being supported by local businesses, with Tulsa's Mother Road Market, a non-profit food hall, stepping up as the official adjudicator sponsor.

"It is an incredible honor to be a part of bringing a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt to Tulsa," said Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation Chief Executive Officer Brian Paschal. "Route 66 is central to Tulsa's identity and a crucial part of our DNA, and setting a world record on the Mother Road in Tulsa during the Centennial year will be a true unprecedented celebration."

Fueling Civic Pride and Economic Engines

The record attempt is more than a point of pride; it's a strategic investment in tourism and economic development. With an estimated 200,000 spectators expected to line the parade route, the event is poised to deliver a significant economic windfall. Tourism is already a major industry for the region, generating $1.4 billion in economic impact and drawing 9.7 million visitors in 2022, according to figures from Tourism Economics.

Route 66 is a powerful magnet for those visitors. Data from 2025 shows that nearly 23 percent of all interests noted by visitors at the Visit Tulsa Visitors Center were related to the historic highway, highlighting its enduring appeal for travelers seeking a nostalgic American experience.

"If you want to see America, you have to see Oklahoma, and what better way to showcase our state and the city of Tulsa than with the eyes of the world on us," said Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. "I am thrilled to see Tulsa take a leading role in celebrating America's highway for its 100th birthday, and the impact of this event will be felt around the city, state and region for years to come."

This sentiment is echoed by local tourism officials who see the cruise as a premier opportunity to showcase the city on a global stage. "All roads lead to The Capital of Route 66® as we prepare for this momentous celebration!" said Renee McKenney, Tulsa Regional Tourism president. "It is such a great event to bring the world to Tulsa and introduce them to our wonderful culture and community. The Mother Road's Centennial deserves a big kickoff, and we plan to give it one!"

Cementing the 'Capital of Route 66®' Legacy

Tulsa's claim as 'The Capital of Route 66®' is not just a marketing slogan but a title rooted in history and recently solidified with legal standing. In April 2024, the Tulsa Route 66 Commission secured a U.S. copyright for the phrase after a two-year process of extensive research.

The city's connection to the highway dates back to its very inception. Tulsan Cyrus Avery, often called the "Father of Route 66," was instrumental in lobbying for the highway's creation and its specific southwestern path. It was Avery who sent the telegram on April 30, 1926, that officially designated the route as "U.S. Highway 66." Furthermore, the first U.S. 66 Highway Association, dedicated to promoting the road, was founded in Tulsa.

Today, Tulsa features 28 miles of Route 66 within its city limits—more than any other single city in Oklahoma—bookended by modern Gateway Arches. The city continues to invest in preserving this legacy through projects like the "Cultural Crossroads" streetscape and a Façade Matching Grant Program for historic properties along the route.

"Setting an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title at the biggest Route 66 Centennial celebration in America is exactly how The Capital of Route 66® should honor the Mother Road," stated Route 66 Commission Chair and Tulsa City Council Vice Chair Christian Bengel. "The Capital Cruise reflects Tulsa's bold, collaborative spirit in bringing this momentous occasion to life and showcasing our unique contributions to the Mother Road."

The Road to the Record: Mapping a Mammoth Event

The logistics of orchestrating a record-breaking parade are immense. The cruise will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026. The day will begin with thousands of classic cars staging at Tulsa's Expo Square, which will also host a pre-Cruise Tailgate and Expo on the preceding Thursday and Friday.

From Expo Square, the parade will proceed north on Yale Avenue before turning west onto 11th Street, embarking on a 5.5-mile journey down the historic Route 66 corridor. The route is carefully planned to maximize spectator visibility and will conclude at 10th Street and Denver Avenue, allowing for easy dispersal onto major highways. Registration is currently open for classic car owners who wish to be part of this historic attempt, with detailed information available on the event's official website, capitalofroute66.com.