The half-block-long Decades of Wheels complex in downtown Baxter Springs, Kansas, should be fully operational by May, according to an event coordinator there. Decades of Wheels held a grand opening celebration in October that included concerts from high-profile music arts, including the final concert of Steppenwolf founder John Kay before his announced retirement. However, many … Continue reading Decades of Wheels complex in Baxter Springs should be fully open by May
Category: Vehicles
Missouri State uploads “Trucking on Route 66” interviews
Missouri State University Libraries over the years has interviewed a number of Route 66 figures (including yours truly) as part of an oral-history project. It received a Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program cost-share grant to amass a "Trucking on Route 66" oral-history collection. MSU Libraries, in a collaboration with Ozarks Alive, has been uploading interviews … Continue reading Missouri State uploads “Trucking on Route 66” interviews
Hot rodder Ken Block shows his driving skills in Shamrock
This is from the "Don't try this unless you're a pro" chapter. Ken Block of Hoonigan Racing recently showed his driving and burn-out skills on the streets of Shamrock, Texas, including Route 66. It's hair-raising to see how close he comes to slamming into the supports of those old gas stations in town. KAMR-TV in … Continue reading Hot rodder Ken Block shows his driving skills in Shamrock
Majority of Packard collection at Afton Station sold, hauled away
Much of the late David Kane's valuable collection of Packard vehicles at Afton Station Route 66 Museum in Afton, Oklahoma, recently was sold and hauled away, adding uncertainty about the future of the station. Reports filtered in on social media that passers-by had seen the Packards being loaded up onto transport vehicles. Marlin Carpenter, who … Continue reading Majority of Packard collection at Afton Station sold, hauled away
Albuquerque sues company over bad ART buses
Albuquerque announced Friday it was suing the BYD company over its faulty electrical buses made for the city's troubled Albuquerque Rapid Transit line. Mayor Tim Keller announced the legal action after forcing the California-based company to take back the buses. According to the Albuquerque Journal: Keller said the city reached out to BYD in an … Continue reading Albuquerque sues company over bad ART buses
VIDEO: Tornado damages Country Classic Cars near Staunton
A tornado severely damaged several buildings and cars Saturday at Country Classic Cars along old Route 66 near Staunton, Illinois. Here is incredible footage from Kyle Swip of the twister hitting the business: It was the second disaster to befall the classic-car lot in less than 18 months. In August 2017, a fire destroyed one … Continue reading VIDEO: Tornado damages Country Classic Cars near Staunton
Nursing-home residents go to Route 66 car museum
This is such a good idea, I'm surprised it hasn't caught on in a more widespread fashion. Residents of the Sunny Hill Nursing Home of Will County in Illinois recently visited the Midwest Classics on 66 Museum in Wilmington that Mike Bell of Perth, Australia, and Jeff Hubrich of the Joliet and Wilmington area opened in … Continue reading Nursing-home residents go to Route 66 car museum
Axing of bus deal brings another delay to Albuquerque Rapid Transit
Albuquerque's mayor announced this week he is yanking 15 BYD electric buses off the street and will replace them with 10 nonelectric buses, bringing another delay to the troubled Albuquerque Rapid Transit project. Mayor Tim Keller recently grounded the buses after city inspectors found myriad problems with the vehicles. The Albuquerque Journal listed the problems … Continue reading Axing of bus deal brings another delay to Albuquerque Rapid Transit
Rockin’ Route 66 festival in Tucumcari will have key differences from predecessor
Some details about the Rockin' Route 66 festival in Tucumcari, New Mexico, on June 27-30 were released last week, revealing a few key differences from the festival's predecessor, Rockabilly on the Route. -- First, Rockin' Route 66 will not feature just rockabilly music, as its forerunner did. According to an email from Brian Whitcomb, president … Continue reading Rockin’ Route 66 festival in Tucumcari will have key differences from predecessor
Albuquerque repeals anti-cruising ordinance
The Albuquerque city council this week unanimously repealed a 2005 cruising ordinance, allowing Route 66 enthusiasts to take a slow journey down Central Avenue in their classic cars without flouting the law. The move was expected. The city council a year ago formed a task force to revisit the issue. According to the Albuquerque Journal, … Continue reading Albuquerque repeals anti-cruising ordinance