Tag Archives: 2026

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

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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.