Celebrating the Past and Looking Toward the Future: Our Return to the 2025 Mid America Route 66 Nationals
Every summer, a special gathering takes place in the heart of the Midwest. It's not just a car show. It's not just a race weekend. It's the Mid America Route 66 Nationals, a celebration that honors the legacy, performance, and passion behind some of the most iconic cars ever built.
For us at Fast Lane Classic Cars, this event is more than just a favorite stop on the calendar. It's a tradition that runs deep. We've been attending and sponsoring the Mid America Ford & Shelby Nationals for over two decades. In 2025, that tradition continues with a new name: the Mid America Route 66 Nationals.
This year marks the 51st anniversary of this well-loved Ford performance gathering. With that milestone comes a new direction, a larger vision, and an even greater appreciation for the road that has brought us all together. At Fast Lane Classic Cars, we're proud to return once again. We've been part of this event for over 20 years, and we're bringing some of our best vehicles with us, including our Ford GT40 and other historic race cars.
A 51-Year Journey Built Around Passion and Performance
The event began in 1974, driven by a few passionate owners of Shelbys, Cobras, and Mustangs. What started as a simple meeting for Ford-powered enthusiasts quickly grew into something much larger. By the 1980s and 1990s, it had become a major destination for collectors, racers, and fans of American muscle. Tulsa, Oklahoma, became the central hub, with the Hallett Motor Racing Circuit and the Tulsa Raceway Park anchoring the program each year.
It was always more than a race or a car show. It became a meeting point for people who shared a love of speed, history, and craftsmanship. There were no velvet ropes. These cars were not parked away behind display tape. They were driven, raced, and shared.
That spirit continues today. And with this year's new name, the Mid America Route 66 Nationals, the event is entering a new chapter.
Why the Name Has Changed and What It Means for the Event
The new name reflects a shift toward greater inclusion of both vehicles and experiences. Route 66 runs right through Oklahoma, and the event's organizers are looking toward the upcoming 100th anniversary of the highway in 2026. This year's programming begins that lead-up with a schedule that expands on what past attendees already love while inviting new participants and enthusiasts to join the experience.
While Ford-powered vehicles will always remain central, the Route 66 name signals a broader appreciation for American road culture and a wider range of vehicles and activities. There is more space for different cars, different stories, and more chances to drive and engage along one of the most iconic roads in the country.
What's New for 2025: The Event Schedule
The 2025 Mid America Route 66 Nationals will run from June 12 through 15 at the Claremore Expo Center in Claremore, Oklahoma. This year's program builds on decades of tradition with a mix of scenic Route 66 cruises, open track time at Hallett, drag racing at Tulsa Raceway Park, and family-friendly gatherings each evening. The updated schedule brings more opportunities for photography, community events, and classic car fun, including expanded drives in both directions along historic stretches of Route 66. The full weekend wraps up with a Cars and Coffee celebration on Sunday morning. For a complete list of times, locations, and activities, click here to view the official event schedule.
Fast Lane Classic Cars and Our Long History with the Nationals
For two decades, Fast Lane has been part of this event. We have shown cars, raced cars, talked with fellow enthusiasts, and supported the community that gathers each year. We've received awards at both Hallett and the Tulsa Drag Strip, but the real prize is the time spent connecting with others who share our passion.
There's something special about watching a young car enthusiast climb into one of our display vehicles or talking with someone who remembers seeing one of our race cars when it was still competing. That sense of shared memory is what makes this event different.
This year, we'll be back with some truly special vehicles, including our Ford GT40 and other historically significant Fords. You'll find us in the vendor area and around the track. Please stop by, say hello, and swap stories with us. That's what this weekend is all about.
Route 66 in 2026: What's Ahead
The 2025 Mid America Route 66 Nationals is not just about celebrating the past. It's also about preparing for what's next. The 100th anniversary of Route 66 is right around the corner, and the organizers are laying the groundwork for a major celebration in 2026.
This year's expanded drives, new events, and broader inclusion of vehicle types are just the beginning. The goal is to continue honoring the event's heritage while opening new doors for those who love cars and the stories they carry.
If you've been before, this year will feel familiar but bigger. If you've never attended, there has never been a better time to make the trip.
Join Us in Claremore This June
The Mid America Route 66 Nationals is part track event, part road trip, part festival, and part family reunion. There's no other event quite like it. Whether you're watching cars tear through Turn Two at Hallett, seeing old friends in the vendor row, or cruising past small towns along Route 66, it's all about enjoying the machines that connect us.
We're looking forward to seeing new faces and longtime friends this June. Experience the roads, the races, and the community that make this one of our favorite events of the year.
Founded in 1994, Fast Lane Classic Cars is a family-owned dealership in St. Charles, Missouri, offering over 180 classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Our state-of-the-art service and restoration facilities and our curated collection of automobile art and memorabilia make us a destination for enthusiasts. We're dedicated to providing top-quality vehicles and a transparent, customer-focused experience.