Tulsa’s Route 66 Capital Cruise Sets GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Mark | News

It was a moment that will live forever in Tulsa, Route 66 and American history.

At approximately 11:52 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, official Guinness World Records judge Michael Empric stepped onto the stage and delivered the news that Route 66 was waiting for.

With an official, final count of 3,596 classic cars, Tulsa’s Route 66 Capital Cruise: Classic Car Centennial Parade has captured the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title, surpassing the previous milestone 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 excited to set a new world record,” said Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols. “Tulsa’s Route 66 Capital Cruise was a nearly year-long effort by partners from across Tulsa to remind the world that we are the Capital of Route 66® and that no city does things like Tulsa. Now, for the next hundred years, when someone mentions Route 66’s Centennial, they will remember Tulsa, Oklahoma.”

Mayor Nichols was one of the Grand Marshals of the Cruise, along with Route 66 historian and author Michael Wallis, Vice Grip Garage founder Derek Bieri, related to Route 66 father Cyrus Avery – led by grandson Bob Berghell – and Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell.

“For years we have looked at 2026 as a Super Bowl in Oklahoma, and today Tulsa delivered,” said Lt. Governor Pinnell. “Capital Cruise was a huge undertaking, and it paid off tremendously, nearly doubling the existing world record, proving that Route 66 is central not only to Oklahoma history, but to the future. Congratulations, Tulsa! Here’s to the next hundred years of the Mother Road.”

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 lost its spirit when it puts its mind to something,” said Christian Bengel, chairman of the Tulsa Route 66 Committee, vice chairman of the Tulsa City Council and Tulsa City Councilman for District 6. “It is who we are. I always believed we would set the record, but in my own vision of its grandeur and splendor, I never imagined that Capital Cruise would become such a shared and expected global phenomenon. I said that Tulsa had the true moxie to show off, show off and continue our legacy of being legendary, and I couldn’t be more proud of our city. The memory of seeing thousands of classic cars driving down Route 66 will remain in my mind forever. Congratulations Tulsa, take a bow!”

At 8 a.m., the cars began leaving Tulsa’s Expo Square. The last car reached the judges’ stage at Mother Road Market at 11:30 am. An estimated 100,000 spectators lined 11th Street in Tulsa to watch the unprecedented scene.

“We’ve been talking about Capital Cruise for almost a year, and today we definitely got our kicks on Route 66!” said Renee McKenney, senior vice president of tourism for the Tulsa Regional Chamber and president of Tulsa Regional Tourism. “What a tremendous effort from everyone in the city to make Capital Cruise a success in the capital of Route 66®. That community pride drives visitors to Tulsa to experience history and celebrate the Route 66 Centennial together. I am so proud of our city for continuing to create moments that resonate on the world’s largest stage.”

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 Oklahoma Highway Patrol car from the Route 66 era was the final car.