Hot Rod Power Tour 2026 Updates!!
6/3/2026
The excitement is definitely building! Having the Hot Rod Power Tour cruise through McLean is a massive deal, especially with this year's tour officially celebrating the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66. With roughly 5,000 to 6,000 classic cars, hot rods, and muscle cars hitting the road, it's going to be an unforgettable sight.
The key details for the McLean stretch are outlined below:
When to Watch
The cars will be coming through McLean on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
Because this is the leg of the trip where drivers leave the Village of Rantoul in the morning and head toward the World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis, the peak viewing times in McLean will be from mid-morning through the early afternoon.
Best Viewing Locations in McLean
Since the Power Tour is intentionally sticking to the nostalgia of historic Route 66 for 2026, you won't have to look far to find a perfect vantage point.
- Dixie Truckers Home (Main Street / Route 66): As a legendary staple of Route 66 history, the area around the Dixie is bound to be a major hotspot. Many drivers will likely pull off here for gas, photos, or a quick bite, making it an excellent place to see the cars up close while they are stationary.
- Along Southwest Dixie Highway (Route 136): Any safe spot on the shoulder or local businesses along the old Route 66 corridor heading southwest out of town will give you an unobstructed view of the cars at cruising speed. If you are a McLean resident, you may want to stay on the north side of Route 136 because it will be very difficult to cross the highway.
Quick Tips for Spectators
- Bring Chairs and Shade: The rolling cruise can last for hours as thousands of cars make their way through. Pop up a canopy or bring some comfortable lawn chairs.
- Support Local: Get snacks and food from the Dixie, McDonald’s, Road Ranger, or the Minit Mart. Or bring a picnic lunch!!
- Keep Families Safe: With so much horsepower rolling through town, make sure kids and pets stay safely back from the edge of the roadway.
- Trash: Please remember to take your trash with you. We do not want our beautiful little Village covered in trash.