Tulsa’s Route 66 Capital Cruise Breaks World Record; Offers Refunds for Drivers Turned Away

Final count of 3,596 cars is new record for Largest Parade of Classic Cars

It was a moment that will live on in Tulsa, Route 66 and American history forever, but not everyone drove away from Tulsa’s Capital Cruise satisfied.

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. 

The first car entered the Cruise route at 8:00 a.m., beginning approximately four hours of continuous parade operations, with cars passing the adjudicator stage at a rate of 1,000 cars per hour. After deductions for stalled/disabled vehicles, gaps in the parade longer than two car lengths and non-compliant vehicles, the official world record total is 3,596—1,105 cars more than the previous record.  

“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!” 

In a later statement, Visit Tulsa acknowledged that not every driver that registered was able to participate. Furthermore, they said that any checked-in driver who was unable to enter the Cruise route will have the opportunity to request a refund of their registration fee in a communication sent to their registered email in the coming days. Those drivers are still official world-record holders and considered full participants in Tulsa’s Route 66 Capital Cruise. 

“We have been talking about Capital Cruise for almost a full 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 an amazing effort from everyone across 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 make moments that resonate on the world’s biggest 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 Route 66-era Oklahoma Highway Patrol car was the final car.