Critical Shifts:
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New World Record Established: Tulsa's Route 66 Capital Cruise officially set a Guinness World Record on May 30, with 3,596 classic cars participating in the Centennial Parade—smashing the previous world record by more than 1,100 vehicles.
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Massive Public and Global Turnout: The event drew drivers from 42 states, Canada, and France, pulling an estimated 100,000 spectators who lined the parade route along 11th Street in Tulsa.
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Kickoff to Centennial Celebrations: Led by local officials and automotive personalities like Vice Grip Garage founder Derek Bieri, the massive parade serves as a major milestone marking the official nation-wide Route 66 Centennial.
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It was a moment that will live on in Tulsa, Route 66 and American history forever.
At approximately 11:52 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, official Guinness World Records adjudicator Michael Empric stepped to the stage and gave the news all of Route 66 was waiting on.
With an official, final count of 3,596 classic cars, Tulsa’s Route 66 Capital Cruise: Classic Car Centennial Parade set the Guinness World Records title, besting the previous mark by 1,105 cars and putting a stamp on the nation’s signature Route 66 Centennial celebration.
“I am so proud of Tulsa and so thrilled to set a new world record,” said Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols. “Tulsa’s Route 66 Capital Cruise was a nearly year-long effort from partners all over Tulsa to remind the world that we are the Capital of Route 66® and that no city does things the way Tulsa does. Now, for the next hundred years, whenever anyone mentions the Centennial of Route 66, they’ll remember Tulsa, Oklahoma.”
Mayor Nichols was one of the Cruise’s grand marshals, along with Route 66 historian and author Michael Wallis, Vice Grip Garage founder Derek Bieri, family of the Father of Route 66 Cyrus Avery – led by grandson Bob Berghell – and Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell.
“For years, we have looked to 2026 as a Super Bowl in Oklahoma, and today, Tulsa delivered,” said Lt. Governor Pinnell. “Capital Cruise was a massive undertaking, and it paid off in a massive way, nearly doubling the existing world record, proving that Route 66 is not just central to the history of Oklahoma, but the future as well. Congratulations, Tulsa! Here’s to the next hundred years of the Mother Road.”
In all drivers from 42 states, Canada and France participated in Capital Cruise, bringing more international attention to all corners of Tulsa: north to south, east to west.
“All I can say is, ‘Of course we did!’ Because Tulsa has never relented its spirit when it sets its mind to a thing,” said Tulsa Route 66 Commission Chair, Tulsa City Council Vice Chair and Tulsa City Councilor for District 6 Christian Bengel. “It’s who we are. I always believed we would set the record, but never in my own vision of its grandeur and splendor did I imagine Capital Cruise becoming such a shared and anticipated worldwide phenomenon. I said Tulsa had the true moxie to show out, show off, and continue our legacy of being legendary, and I couldn’t be prouder of our city. The memory of seeing thousands of classic cars rolling down Route 66 will forever be imprinted on my mind. Congratulations Tulsa, take a bow.”
Cars began leaving Tulsa’s Expo Square at 8:00 a.m. The final car reached the adjudicator stage at Mother Road Market at 11:30 a.m. An estimated 100,000 spectators lined 11th Street in Tulsa to take in the unprecedented scene.
Over the course of the route, 16 different Cruise Party Zones turned parking lots into block parties for spectators, making this not just a parade to watch, but a party to participate in. An authentic Route 66-era Oklahoma Highway Patrol car was the final car.
