All posts by Route 66 Pub Co

Copperstate 1000 Rally Celebrates Route 66

August 24, 2026 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

What do you do with a classic car? Drive it, of course! For more than 80 owners, the enjoyment of classic cars came from participating in the Copperstate 1000, held in Arizona in April 2026.

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66, it is fitting that this spring’s tour covered a substantial portion of Route 66’s asphalt in Northern Arizona. Adding to the intrigue, the actual route is kept secret until participants arrive at the rally. This year, over 80 vehicles participated, stopping in Seligman, Peach Springs, Flagstaff, and, of course, Winslow (Standing on the corner).

Route 66 History

Route 66 was the main highway traveling between Chicago and Los Angeles. Okay, technically to Santa Monica if you want to be specific. There are plenty of festivals celebrating the 100^th anniversary of Route 66. Plenty of caravans, both organized and individual, are taking the full route. So routing the Copperstate 1000 to hit the Mother Road makes sense.

Copperstate 1000 Eligibility

Vehicle eligibility is generally limited to 1973 and older models, with clones, tributes, and reproduction vehicles specifically excluded. The featured cars include American muscle cars and foreign speedsters, creating an eclectic mix. Interestingly, this year I noticed a few later-model entries that were granted exemptions. This is the 36th rally, typically held in April.

Plenty of eye candy was on display before the cars left from Tempe, Arizona. I always enjoy the fact that these owners want to take these beauties out on the road and have the confidence to tour Arizona’s roads in these classics.

Copperstate 1000 Takes Off

During the event, the rally cars are staged in the stadium’s ball field and sent off individually, with crowds enjoying seeing and hearing these classics roar down the route. After their journey, the cars returned to Scottsdale, AZ, on Wednesday, April 15, for their awards dinner.

It is nice to see classics being driven and cruising the roads. Take a look at some of the entries and let us know which is your favorite.

Copperstate-1000-1972-Jaguar-E-Type-Series-3

[Show picture list]

Detailing, Uncategorized

Mothers VLR to the Rescue

May 5, 2026 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

A cracked dashboard often becomes an ugly eyesore, caused by too much sun exposure from damaging UV rays and heat. Cracks ruin your interior’s look and likely spread over time. You can repair a cracked dashboard, but you can also take plenty of steps to prevent cracking. That ounce of prevention definitely pays off. Choose Mothers VLR to maintain the look and feel of your dashboard and other surfaces.

Mothers

Mothers provides an extensive lineup of car care products for consumers and detailers. You will find them in auto parts stores as well as mass retailers like Target and Wal-Mart and on-line. The VLR – Vinyl-Leather-Rubber – offers a three-in-one solution to help you preserve your padded dashboard. The thick white gel sprays out and needs to be rubbed into the surface. Spray a small amount directly onto the surface or onto a cloth, then rub it in thoroughly. When you use it in moderation, you avoid excess residue. Simply buff the surface with another cloth, and you’re all set. Work on small areas at a time to be amazed by the look and feel. The product even has a pleasing scent and no harsh chemical smell.

Mothers VLR

Mothers VLR is made with neatsfoot oil and lanolin, two old-school leather-care ingredients, so you know the stuff is made right. Mothers states that their VLR “quickly and easily cleans, conditions and protects a wide variety of vinyl, leather and rubber surfaces. This pro-strength, pH-balanced formula cleans even the most stubborn ground-in dirt, soil, and stains.”

Like many leather care products, the team at Mothers cautions you not to use it on split leather, suede, or similar coarse materials. We especially like using it on all the black trim on new cars. It restores faded trim to a deep black, resists washing off, and lasts for months.

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Car show

Goodguys Shakes It Up

April 14, 2026 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

The Goodguys Rod and Custom Association is known for their nationwide car shows. From March through November each year, they stage enormous car shows across the nation. Besides the car show and awards, there is plenty to do at a show. Check out parts and cars for sale, vendor displays, listen to some music, and take in some autocross action. There is loads to do!

We have attended and covered the local shows in Scottsdale, Arizona, for years. Always a great time.

Goodguys Tries Something New

But this year, the smart folks at Goodguys are trying out something new. Seven of their events are being held over two days. That’s right, the shows are being held only on Friday and Saturday, instead of the traditional three-day show. To be honest, at some past events, the Sunday show was weak.

Here’s why Sunday shows can be poorly attended. At a three-day show, out-of-towners are eager to head home. Most of the show and events can be covered in the first two days, so skipping Sunday gives them a head start on their travels. Makes sense to Goodguys and to me.

Some 3-Day Shows

Recently, the Del Mar show was the first of the three-day shows. Even with Sunday threatening bad weather, the crowds and cars didn’t stay away. Now Goodguys is still keeping the three-day spectaculars where the crowds and venue suggest a good fit. The final Scottsdale show will still be a three-day event: November 20-22, 2026.

It’s encouraging to see Goodguys embrace innovation and change. However, shows with strong attendance will likely remain three-day events. View the Goodguys schedule to find upcoming dates and locations near you.

Check out some of the standout cars and trucks we saw at their 16th Spring Nationals in Scottsdale, Arizona, on March 13-14, 2026.

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Auctions, Car show, Uncategorized

Mesa Cars and Coffee at Dana Park

January 17, 2026 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

There are plenty of Cars and Coffee events in Arizona. Especially the Saturday before the car auctions crank up the heat. But the cruise in at Dana Park continues to expand and engage with more car owners and onlookers.

The organizers for the cars and coffee sum up their efforts well. The “Mesa Cars & Coffee is The Valley’s favorite morning car show and gathering of automotive spirit, happening the third Saturday of every month September thru April. Cruise in, park, and have a good time!”

We have covered cars and coffee in the Phoenix region for years, and it keeps getting bigger and better.

It seems that each month gets better and better. Plus, they have three more months before the hot summer days chase them away to re-group and get better. That’s right, they shut down after their final show for the season in April 2026.

But still leave yourself three months to mark your calendar and roll out of bed after 7 AM. The event closes at 10 AM, so no excuse for no-shows!

See ya’ there.

[Show picture list]

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Detailing, Manufacturer news, Uncategorized

Mothers Ceramic Paint Correction

May 20, 2025 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Mothers recently released a new lineup of car care products with a familiar ingredient—ceramic. Ceramic is all the rage, as both DIYers and professionals now consider detailing their vehicles with ceramic-based products. Many claims are tied to ceramic, focused on protection, long wear, and durability. Mothers has developed three ceramic products under their California Gold label: Wash and Wax, Paint Correction, and Spray Wax.

Mothers Ceramic Paint Correction

Mothers offered us a set of products to try, and we checked out their Ceramic Paint Correction. It comes in a 12-ounce squeeze bottle with a twist-top applicator/dispenser. The white fluid has a mild texture—not gritty at all. Mothers claims it “cuts and polishes in one step.”

Before Paint Correction

First, we “primed” our medium polishing pad with some detailing spray. Then, we applied four dime-sized spots of the Ceramic Paint Correction on the pad. Then, we placed the pad on our test panel and reapplied the polish in three other spots. This method avoids having too much product in one spot and avoids slinging off some product when the DA orbital polisher is used. After a horizontal pass across the panel, we went over it with a vertical pass. Then, remove the polish with a clean microfiber. I was impressed that there was little dust from the polishing effort.

Paint Correction Outcome

Although the car was not clayed, it was noticeably smoother and slicker after the Paint Correction. We have some hairline scratches/mar in the paint, and there was a noticeable improvement. With a more aggressive pad and some more time, even those hairline scratches would disappear. But the panel itself had a noticeable difference in the depth of the paint, and the shine was apparent.

The directions from Mothers say to apply and buff until clear and clean. Then, while still wet, remove it with a new cloth or microfiber. Expect to pay around $18 for the bottle at most auto parts shops. Since you use it sparingly, the bottle is more than sufficient for most vehicles. Mothers indicates that their product cuts, corrects, and restores, and that seems to be the case for this easy-to-use product.

When Mothers offered us the products to sample, there was no commitment to how we would sample or report on the lineup. We do not offer any affiliate links, and our opinions are not impacted by Mothers or any other organization or group.

Follow along as we try out the other ceramic products from Mothers. We are always trying out new products, such as brushes and chemicals.

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Detailing, Uncategorized

Mothers Ceramic Wash and Wax

May 13, 2025 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Mothers Ceramic Wash and Wax is making a big splash in car care. Mothers recently released a new lineup of car care products with a familiar ingredient—ceramic. Ceramic is all the rage, as both DIYers and professionals now detail their vehicles using ceramic-based products. Lots of claims are tied to ceramic, focused on protection, long wear, and durability. So, Mothers has developed three ceramic products under their California Gold label: Wash and Wax, Paint Protection, and Spray Wax.

Mothers offered us a set of products to try out, and we first utilized their Wash and Wax. It comes in a 50-ounce clear jug, which makes it easier to see the red mixture contained inside. The fluid has a pleasant aroma. Mothers labels the scent—watermelon.

Mothers Wash and Wax in Action

We adhere to the two-bucket wash method, so we rounded up our trustworthy buckets and went to work. The product quickly produced a slick set of long-lasting suds. Our test panel had some previous product on it, but the Wash and Wax quickly removed the dirt and grime. It rinsed off easily and left no residue.

Although the car was not clayed, it was noticeably smoother and slicker. After the rinse, we threw some more water on the car, and the water beads popped up immediately. Mothers claims that the Wash and Wax boost beading, increase protection, and clean effortlessly. I would have to agree with Mothers’ slogan—Ceramic Made Simple.

Wash and Wax Impressions

I was impressed that Mothers included specific directions for folks using a foam cannon or gun for the Wash and Wax. Not many consumer car care products would acknowledge the dedicated consumers who use those devices.

I won’t bore you with the chemical compounds in the ingredients, but they are pH neutral, so they are environmentally friendly and easy on your hands and skin. Expect to pay around $18 for the jug at most auto parts shops.

Follow along as we try out the other ceramic products from Mothers.

Car show, Uncategorized

La Jolla Concours d’Elegance 2025

May 7, 2025 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Combine great spring weather with the iconic scenery of La Jolla, California, and classic cars, add you end up with the 19th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. This year, the event drew 15,000 guests for the three-day celebration. One hundred twenty-two cars graced the grounds of Scripps Park.

La Jolla Concours d’Elegance Theme

This year’s theme—Mascots in Motion—was a nod to the hood ornaments that were often at the forefront of the car’s styling cues. The series of car events took place April 25-27, 2025.

The Best of Show award went to a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing that the owner has owned since 1977. It had undergone a four-year restoration by a San Diego shop.

3 Days of Events

The event kicked off on Friday evening with an opening on the lawn. Saturday offered a cruise for 75 of these vintage pieces of art. Later, a collection of nearly 90 Porsches and hypercars was on display. The concours started early on Sunday morning, allowing the judges ample time to critique the classics. At the same time, the curious could walk by a showing of additional cars at the adjacent La Jolla Motor Car Classic. The concours split the cars into eleven classes, with extra “best of” awards.

Here is our coverage of the 2024 show

The 20th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance will return April 24-26, 2026. Make your plans now, you won’t be disappointed. In the mean time check out some of our favorite cars at the show

[Show picture list]

Photos courtesy La Jolla Concours d’Elegance

Uncategorized

“Kat’s Magic Helmet” Children’s Book Authored by NASCAR’s K. Legge

May 6, 2025 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Not only is Katherine Legge an accomplished British racecar driver making inroads to the NASCAR circuit, but she is also a writer. Her first children’s book, “Kat’s Magic Helmet,” was just released. Co-written with Andy Amendola and illustrated by Ashleigh Mower, it offers a positive story about children pursuing their dreams. Kats-Magic-Helmet-Book-Cover-

Katherine Legge

Legge might be late to NASCAR, but she has established her credentials in the racing world. She is the fastest female qualifier for the Indianapolis 500. Legge commented, “This book is for every kid who’s ever felt unsure or left out. I want them to know they’re not alone—and that they absolutely belong.” The book encourages readers to overcome fear, accept challenges, and be true to themselves. Katherine Legge - Author of Kat's Magic Helmet

Kat’s Magic Helmet

The book is an easy read designed for children aged 3 to 8. Although it tells the story of Kat, a shy girl, it is suitable for all. The story is universal, even if the reader is not focused on racing.

Asheligh Mower – Illustrator

Kat’s Magic Helmet was lovingly illustrated by Ashleigh Mower, who also designs Legge’s racing helmets. Ashleigh-Mower-Book-Illustratorfor Kat's Magic Helmet

“Kat’s Magic Helmet” is sold at Amazon and select specialty bookstores.

Photos courtesy Katherine Legge

Manufacturer news, Uncategorized

Revo and Lexus Offer Four Distinctive Sunglass Designs

January 24, 2025 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

When you create awesome eyewear, it only makes sense to partner with an equally awesome car manufacturer. That’s why the news that Revo is now offering four sunglasses linked to Lexus cars is a perfect example of synergy. This blends Revo’s great lenses with Lexus styling for a unique set of eyewear. Revo-Lexus-

REVO Lexus Collection

The partnership announced four special eyewear options: two sports-focused offerings and two featuring lifestyle designs. This new partnership is a great way to start celebrating Revo’s 40th anniversary.

Lexus Sports Style from Revo:

These two glasses share an engraved Lexus logo on the polarized lens for their wrap styles. They each come with two options for frames and lenses.

Podium: This squared-off sunglass style adds a touch of color to both the exterior of the temples and the interior rubberized portion. Revo Podium

Double Stint: The unisex design highlights rubberized temples with a tire tread-inspired accent and a distinctive metal band near the hinge.

Lexus Lifestyle :

Crafted: This is another unisex square style with a spring hinge, stitched leather across the bridge, and removable leather side shields. Revo Crafted

Spindle: The navigator-inspired sunglass has carbon fiber temples. Revo Spindle

Both lifestyle sunglasses have two distinctive frame choices with matching lens material.

Revo’s CEO, Cliff Robinson, explained that the venture highlights “thoughtful craftsmanship, refined design, and a focus on delivering unparalleled experiences.”

Revo lenses are inspired by NASA technology and feature an outer oleophobic coating, mirror coatings, a polarized filter, the actual lens, an anti-reflective back coating, and another hydrophobic coating. The sunglasses all come with Revo’s two-year warranty.

Auctions, Car show

Baseball Signatures Collection on a BMW

January 19, 2025 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Many people have an autograph from their favorite personality or sports star. It gives a personal connection between the fan and the player. Imagine if you could combine a love of major league baseball and automobiles. What would the ultimate outcome be? Perhaps a 2000 BMW Z3 roadster with 647 signatures from major league baseball players.

Baseball Players’ Signatures

In 2000, the Houston Astros purchased a new BMW roadster and asked the visiting players to sign a portion of the car. Owners, managers, and other team officials also signed. The result was a car covered with 647 signatures, including the legendary Hank Aaron.

After the season, the signatures were covered with a clear coat to maintain the autographs. Then, it was auctioned off for the Hank Aaron Foundation charity. The car was housed in California until it was sold to a Canadian collector and is now offered for sale at the January 2025 Barrett-Jackson auction.

BMW Z3

The car hits a home run for car enthusiasts. The Z3 has a five-speed manual transmission mated to a string 2.3-liter six-cylinder engine. The car is ready for more fun miles, having only rolled 6,670 digits since new. The Z3 was only produced by BMW from 1995-2002 and offered as a coup and a roadster. Despite the BMW marquee, it was produced in South Carolina.

While looking over the car, seeing and deciphering the MLB signatures is neat. The current owner has details on all the signatures. The Yankees won the 2000 World Series, so their signatures hold extra meaning for some fans.

Barrett-Jackson Auction

Imagine having a collection of 600+ signatures from major league baseball players and a car to display them on.

Follow along on this blog, and we will update the results when it is sold.

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Route 66 History

Copperstate 1000 Eligibility

Copperstate 1000 Takes Off

Mothers

Mothers VLR

Goodguys Tries Something New

Some 3-Day Shows

Mothers Ceramic Paint Correction

Paint Correction Outcome

Mothers Wash and Wax in Action

Wash and Wax Impressions

La Jolla Concours d’Elegance Theme

3 Days of Events

Katherine Legge

Kat’s Magic Helmet

Asheligh Mower – Illustrator

Lexus Sports Style from Revo:

Lexus Lifestyle :

Baseball Players’ Signatures

BMW Z3

Barrett-Jackson Auction

From classics to muscle cars – everything automotive