By Andrea Arens

JOLIET — Thousands of classic car enthusiasts converged on Route 66 Raceway in Joliet June 7 and 8 as the 2026 Hot Rod Power Tour kicked off another cross-country journey celebrating America’s car culture.

Organized annually by Hot Rod Magazine, the multi-day cruise attracts participants from across the United States who spend a week driving their vehicles from city to city while attending automotive festivals along the route. This year’s tour began in Joliet before heading south toward its final destination in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

An estimated 8,000 vehicles made their way through the Joliet stop, with long-haul participants arriving Sunday to begin preparations for the week-long adventure. The massive gathering transformed Route 66 Raceway into a sea of muscle cars, street rods, customs, trucks and modern performance vehicles.

Participants traveled from virtually every corner of the country. License plates spotted throughout the venue included North Carolina, Texas, Michigan, Kansas, Alabama, Indiana, Louisiana and Florida, among many others.

The Power Tour offered several participation packages. Day passes were available for $60, while multi-day packages cost $185. Long Hauler registrations were priced at $235, Gold Club memberships at $485 and Platinum packages at $2,850, which included hotel accommodations, daily lunches and a special dinner. According to event information, every package except the day-pass option sold out prior to the event.

Participants received commemorative souvenirs including a license plate and event sticker, while higher-tier packages included additional merchandise and exclusive items. Among the most recognizable were the coveted banner decals displayed on many vehicles, signifying repeat participation and years spent completing the tour.

For many drivers, the opportunity to put their vehicles to the test added another layer of excitement. Route 66 Raceway and Worldwide Technology Raceway offered participants the chance to drive on their tracks, provided drivers and vehicles met safety requirements.

The Joliet stop featured dozens of vendors, automotive manufacturers, aftermarket suppliers and food trucks. Throughout the grounds, spectators and participants admired everything from meticulously restored classics to modern high-horsepower builds.

However, the opening days of the tour were not without challenges.

Participants endured torrential rainstorms, lengthy entry delays and traffic congestion that tested the patience of even seasoned travelers. Social media posts from attendees documented hours-long waits and weather-related disruptions as thousands of vehicles attempted to enter the venue.

The most serious setback came during overnight stops in the Joliet area.

According to a June 10 news release from the Joliet Police Department, officers responded at approximately 5:30 a.m. June 9 to the Holiday Inn and Suites, 1471 Rock Creek Boulevard, after receiving reports that multiple vehicles had been stolen or damaged overnight.

Police determined that three Chevrolet Corvettes and one Chevrolet Camaro had been stolen from the parking lot. Investigators also learned that a Chevrolet SS, Dodge Challenger and another Chevrolet Camaro had been damaged but not stolen.

During the investigation, officers discovered a damaged Dodge Charger at the nearby Comfort Inn, 1520 Commerce Lane. Broken glass was found at the scene, and investigators believe the incidents were related.

Police later learned that one of the stolen Corvettes had been recovered after it crashed in Dolton. No arrests had been made in connection with the incident as of the release.

Authorities confirmed that the affected vehicles belonged to participants in the 2026 Hot Rod Power Tour.

Despite the weather, delays, toll roads, unexpected hotel fees and the disappointment of the thefts, many participants said those challenges were overshadowed by the spirit of the event itself.

Throughout the cruise and stops, drivers could be seen helping one another with mechanical issues, sharing tools, exchanging travel stories and offering advice to first-time participants. For many, the Power Tour is less about the destination and more about the people encountered along the way.

Whether driving a six-figure show car, a freshly built project or a daily-driven cruiser, participants shared a common goal: getting out on the open road and enjoying the hobby together.

As thousands of vehicles rolled out of Joliet and headed toward the next stop on the tour, the prevailing attitude remained unchanged despite the obstacles.

For the hot rodders making the journey, the Power Tour was never just about the cars. It was about the camaraderie, the adventure and the simple joy of driving.

Andrea Arens is a freelance reporter.