Rolla Welcomes Route 66 Centennial Drive as Part of The Drive Home VII

America’s Automotive Trust, in partnership with the Detroit Auto Show and the National Route 66 Centennial Commission, is proud to present The Drive Home VII: Route 66 – A Century of Adventure, a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country drive commemorating the 100th anniversary of the legendary Route 66.
 
After learning about the Route 66 drive through national coverage, the Rolla Chamber of Commerce and VisitRolla proactively reached out to event organizers to invite the group to include Rolla as a stop along their journey. Recruiting tour groups, travel experiences, and special events to include Rolla in their itineraries is a key focus of the Rolla Chamber and VisitRolla, particularly during Route 66’s Centennial year.
 
On the morning of January 11, the Rolla Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted The Drive Home VII participants as they made a stop in Rolla while traveling from Lebanon to St. Louis. The Chamber welcomed the group with a quick breakfast and special local gifts for each driver and team member, highlighting Rolla’s hospitality and its meaningful place along historic Route 66. “This group was such a fun one to work with. Seeing each of their vehicles and hearing their stories of their travels was so neat – and we loved their matching denim jackets! We were so happy they could squeeze us into their travel plan and learn a little of what Rolla is about and all of our history with Route 66,” said Addy Reardon, Group Travel and Event Coordinator.
 
The historic journey began on January 3, 2026, in Santa Monica, California, with nine vehicles embarking on the iconic route. Over the course of nine days, the group has traveled the full length of Route 66, concluding their drive in Chicago, Illinois on January 12. Following the completion of the drive, the vehicles will be showcased at the world-class Detroit Auto Show, beginning January 14, offering attendees a unique opportunity to experience this centennial celebration firsthand.
 
For more information about The Drive Home VII and Route 66 Centennial events, visit https://www.americasautomotivetrust.org/thedrivehome. Groups interested in working with the Rolla Chamber and VisitRolla to plan stops, visits, or group travel opportunities are encouraged to learn more at www.visitrolla.com.