The New York Times has an article about Pixar's research of Route 66 for "Cars," including Mother Road consultant Michael Wallis talking about "Okie hood ornaments" made during the trip. The Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac, Ill., expect to see a boost in visitors from "Cars," reports WHOI-TV in Creve Coeur, … Continue reading “Cars” news roundup for June 10
Author: Ron Warnick
I'm the editor and publisher of Route 66 News, a clearinghouse of events, information, and entertainment pertaining to historic U.S. 66, the Mother Road.
Funks Grove rest stop named best in Illinois
Normally, a interstate rest stop wouldn't get much attention on this site. But the Funks Grove rest stop on Interstate 55, near Funks Grove, Ill., is an exception. The Illinois Department of Transportation named it the best of the 30 in the state, according to the Bloomington Pantagraph. Here's why it's getting attention on this … Continue reading Funks Grove rest stop named best in Illinois
Route 66 mural vandalized
The "Route 66" mural on a wall of W&W Tire in Edmond, Okla., was vandalized with spray paint over the Memorial Day weekend, according to The Vista Online. A clear look at the vandalism can be seen here. The strange part is that the vandal seemed to have social justice in mind. The phrase "Fight … Continue reading Route 66 mural vandalized
Students will film Route 66 documentary
A summer course at the University of New Mexico, "Highway 66 Revisited: Documentary Contemporary Route 66," will fan out students with video cameras to find stories along Albuquerque's Central Avenue, reports UNM Today. Robert Russell is teaching the course.
Vega Motel needs help
Red Fork Hippie Chick here with a news bulletin and a request for help: I just became aware this morning of a situation that requires some assistance. The Vega Motel on Route 66 in Texas was forced to shut down for a while because one of the owners was seriously ill. He has recovered, thank … Continue reading Vega Motel needs help
“Cars” news roundup for June 9
"Cars" opens today. Have you purchased your tickets? The Reporter in Vacaville, Calif., has an excellent story about Pixar's research on the film, including a lot of details about Route 66's role. The Springfield Journal-Register interviewed author and Mother Road ambassador Michael Wallis about his role in the film and Route 66. Animated News has … Continue reading “Cars” news roundup for June 9
Ditty Bops will cycle part of Route 66
Abby DeWald and Amanda Barrett of the folk-rock band The Ditty Bops are embarking on a tour by bicycle to support their new album, "Moon over the Freeway," on Warner Bros. Records, according to the OutdoorNewswire. Part of their route will go on the Route 66 Bicycle Trail. The tour includes stops in the Route … Continue reading Ditty Bops will cycle part of Route 66
Norwegian classic-car tour rolls into southwest Missouri
The Norwegian group that's driving antique cars the length of Route 66 made its way into Strafford, Mo., on its way to nearby Springfield, according to the Springfield News-Leader. Here's something that cracked me up: "What surprised the group so far is the attention we get from the public when driving. People are yelling and … Continue reading Norwegian classic-car tour rolls into southwest Missouri
A Route 66 guide to the “Cars” movie
Updated June 17, 2018 If you just saw the "Cars" movie and want to find more information about Route 66, welcome. First, the Radiator Springs shown in "Cars" is a fictional town. Historic Route 66 exists. On the real Route 66, there is a Baxter Springs in Kansas and a Peach Springs in Arizona. But … Continue reading A Route 66 guide to the “Cars” movie
Keep your fingers crossed
The Carthage Press in Carthage, Mo., reports: A possible vote next week by the District 7 Transportation Enhancement Program committee may lead to the creation of a Route 66 museum in the Courthouse. The enhancement funds go toward non-transportation projections such as trails, streetscaping and museums that have a connection with Route 66. Presiding Commissioner … Continue reading Keep your fingers crossed