Category Archives: Uncategorized

Car show, Uncategorized

Copperstate 1000 Rally Celebrates Route 66

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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.Copperstate-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).Copperstate-1000-1966-Shelby-GT350

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 100th 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.Route-66

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.Copperstate-1000-1959-Jaguar-XK150

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.Copperstate-1000-Frequent-Flyer

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.

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© 2026 Route 66 PubCo

Detailing, Uncategorized

Mothers VLR to the Rescue

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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-VLR-and-cloth

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-gel

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.mothers-VLR

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Auctions, Car show, Uncategorized

Mesa Cars and Coffee at Dana Park

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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.Corvette-topless

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!”Ford

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. Tpyota-Down-Low

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.

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© 2025 Route 66 PubCo

 

Detailing, Manufacturer news, Uncategorized

Mothers Ceramic Paint Correction

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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 CorrectionBefore 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.DA-Pad

Applied Paint CorrectionPaint 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.After Paint Correction

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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© 2025 Route 66 PubCo

Detailing, Uncategorized

Mothers Ceramic Wash and Wax

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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.Wash-and-Wax-in-a-Bucket

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-Beads

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.

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.Wash-and-Wax-Suds

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

© 2025 Route 66 PubCo

Car show, Uncategorized

La Jolla Concours d’Elegance 2025

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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

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.La Jolla Concours

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.La Jolla Concours Best of Show

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.La Jolla Concours Porsche

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

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© 2025 Route 66 PubCo

Photos courtesy La Jolla Concours d’Elegance

Uncategorized

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

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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.

© 2025 Route 66 PubCo

Photos courtesy Katherine LeggeKatherine Legge

Manufacturer news, Uncategorized

Revo and Lexus Offer Four Distinctive Sunglass Designs

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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. Revo Double-Stint

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. 

 

Manufacturer news, Tool Chest, Uncategorized

Insta360 Ace Pro 2: Unrivaled 8K Image Quality & AI

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Insta360 outdid themselves with their latest action camera – Insta360 Ace Pro 2. This groundbreaking wide-angle action camera delivers unparalleled image quality, smarter, easier capture powered by AI, upgraded audio, and an improved rugged design made for action at its most extreme. It gets better when you learn it has a Leica SUMMARIT lens with a 157º field of view.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2

Creators will enjoy smoother videos with higher frame rates at 8K30fps and 4K60fps Active HDR, PureVideo for excellent low light performance, a bigger 2.5″ flip touchscreen and more.

The action camera utilizes Insta360’s advanced AI technology to offer a smarter experience from shooting to sharing. Innovative functions like the option to pause or cancel a recording, gesture and voice control, Auto Edit, and AI Highlights Assistant completely transform the experience for creators. This makes editing a video so much easier, when deadlines loom.

The waterproofing has increased to 39ft (12m), and it offers crystal-clear audio with an integrated Wind Guard and a removable Lens Guard to handle whatever you throw at it. This provides full flexibility for action and sports enthusiasts.Insta360

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Leica Lens

The Leica SUMMARIT lens offers state-of-the-art image quality with an upgraded 1/1.3″ 8K sensor offering an amazing 13.5 stops of dynamic range. Insta360 Ace Pro 2 delivers simply breathtaking visuals in situations other action cameras simply can’t handle. Exclusive Leica color profiles infuse footage with their signature aesthetic, adding a touch of elegance to every shot.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Dual Chips

Further contributing to its image quality and performance is the industry-leading dual-chip design. Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is the first action camera with a dedicated Pro Imaging Chip that handles image processing and noise reduction, while a separate 5nm AI Chip handles further image processing and overall camera performance, providing a smooth, seamless user experience. The dual chip also enables more shooting modes and higher specifications, such as 8K30fps video, 4K60fps Active HDR (High Dynamic Range), and upgraded PureVideo.

In daytime, upgraded 4K60fps Active HDR brings out all the details in intense highlights and shadows for more vibrant footage. Meanwhile, a wider 157° lens FOV captures more of the surroundings.Insta360-Ace-Pro-2-Motorcycle

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Accessories

The new, removable Lens Guard provides greater all-around protection, meaning creators can feel confident to push the limits further and capture the impossible, knowing their action cam is up to the challenge.

An all-new Wind Guard keeps wind and noise at a minimum during those peak moments, ready to snap on and off as you need. With refreshed audio algorithms bringing professional-grade clarity to your content, you can immerse your viewers like never before. What’s more, the magnetic mounting system lets you seamlessly switch between accessories. Less time spent unscrewing and screwing your camera and mounts, more time in the moment.

Made for those who demand the highest standard of action capture, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 offers the perfect combination of durability and high-quality performance to capture life’s thrills with confidence.

AI Allows for Easier Capture & Editing

Insta360’s revolutionary AI features demonstrate a commitment to making shooting and editing as accessible as possible. Anyone, regardless of their skill level, will be amazed at what they can create. Creators can merge every thrilling moment into one incredible recap or choose the ones their favorites and delete any unwanted clips to save storage.

Acting as a full editing suite in your pocket, the Insta360 mobile app fully embraces the game-changing possibilities of AI with advanced Auto Editing, one-tap templates and creative Shot Lab effects. Instead of spending hours learning complex tools and editing workflows, AI does it all for you, bringing your clips to life with dynamic cuts and transitions. Creators can even achieve the infamous Invisible Selfie Stick effect with the AI Selfie Stick Eraser in the app for third-person views. Looking for a real twist? AI Warp uses preset or custom keywords to bring your wildest ideas to life.Insta360-Ace-Pro-2-Close-up-1

Available Now

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is available to purchase today worldwide via Insta360.com and your favorite retailer. The list price is $399.99 and includes a Wind Guard, Battery, Standard Mount, Mic Cap, and USB-C Cable. The dual battery bundle includes the same accessories and two batteries for $419.99.

Check it out now.

Manufacturer news, Tool Chest, Uncategorized

CoverSeal Car Covers Stop Rodent Damage

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Rats, Rodents, Squirrels, and Vermin—no matter what you call them—can quickly wreak havoc on any car. Store a classic car for any length of time, and these critters might feast on the car’s wiring, upholstery, and other car parts. Fortunately, one car cover, CoverSeal, has a long-lasting, permanent solution.

Mother Nature’s little four-footed creatures love cars. Whether they wish to gnaw on the electrical insulation found on wiring harnesses, use empty crevices to store nuts for a rainy day, or just need a place to shelter, cars are a natural fit. These cars do not need to be in long-term storage. Cars parked overnight can also be subjected to gifts from the creatures of the night.

All sorts of “urban legends” are alleged to ward off the creatures. Leaving the hood up might work. Placing a bar of soap could be a clean option. Leaving some mothballs is a possible deterrent as well. You might still find creatures using your car regardless of your chosen option. But wait, it gets worse.CoverSeal-Package

Car Covers and Rodents

Many conscientious owners will put a car cover over their precious classic car. A quality car cover can ward away sun and weather damage. But alas, it is also unseen when a car is under cover. So when the car cover is removed, you might discover too late that the creatures had a feast under wraps.

CoverSeal to the Rescue

CoverSeal offers a better car cover. The silver material reflects 90% of sunlight and is made with 300D Polyester. This helps ward off rain, too. The beauty of this cover is that the bottom is a continuous seal of weighted material. That creates a tight seal against the ground that rodents can’t get under.CoverSeal-Cover

CoverSeal comes in various sizes to fit most cars. It also features a premium offering with a higher 420D ripstop weave fabric. The weighted seal at the bottom also means that the car cover stays in place in windy conditions without additional straps or bungee cords.CoverSeal-Fabric

The makers also design covers for trucks and tractors. They offer affordable options for barbecue covers and patio furniture for homeowners.CoverSeal-BBQ

Real World Testing of CoverSeal

We like testing new products. Now, we tested the CoverSeal barbecue cover, and we were impressed. Our test site was 100 feet from coastal water, so rats and other creatures are quite common on the patio. The barbecue cover was the perfect fit, and the bottom-weighted seal kept rodents from burrowing under. If it works for a tempting BBQ, we figure a classic car will also benefit from a CoverSeal. They are so confident in their product that they offer a 12-month money-back guarantee.

Check out all the options on their website.