Happy 4th of July 2026! A Massive Year of Milestones for Cars Enthusiasts

Happy 4th of July! Today, as we watch the fireworks and fire up the grills, we aren’t just celebrating another Independence Day. 2026 is an absolutely massive year for America, and an even bigger one for automotive and movie buffs.

We have an incredible lineup of milestones to celebrate this year:

• The United States is turning 250! A historic quarter-millennium of freedom, history, and open roads.

• The original Cars movie turns 20! It’s hard to believe it’s been two decades since Lightning McQueen first rolled into our hearts.

• Don't forget Cars 2! The globe-trotting, action-packed sequel is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

• The legendary Route 66 turns 100! The Mother Road is officially hitting the century mark.

The Mother Road: 100 Years of Route 66

You simply can't talk about American car culture without talking about Route 66. Following years of planning, the iconic highway was formally designated and inaugurated in 1926, quickly becoming the ultimate symbol of American freedom and adventure. Seamlessly connecting Chicago to Los Angeles, it carved a path straight through the heart of the country. It wasn't just a stretch of asphalt; it was the lifeblood of hundreds of small towns, bringing travelers, dreamers, and drivers across eight different states and over 2,400 miles of pure Americana.

From Seligman to Radiator Springs: The Angel of Route 66

If you’re a fan of Cars, the heartbreaking yet beautiful story of Radiator Springs probably feels incredibly familiar—and that’s because it’s deeply rooted in real history. The town was heavily inspired by Seligman, Arizona, a vibrant Route 66 stop that was nearly wiped off the map and forgotten when the new interstate bypassed it overnight.

When the creative team at Pixar was researching the film, they spent time interviewing Angel Delgadillo, a former local barber and an absolute community legend. Known today as the "Guardian Angel of Route 66," Angel was the driving force behind founding the Historic Route 66 Association, successfully fighting to save his town and get the highway recognized as a historic landmark. His passion, memories, and love for the road directly shaped the heart and soul of the movie we love.

Fun fact to wrap up our celebration: Angel Delgadillo was actually born right along the route, just a few months after it officially opened. If all goes well, this living legend will be celebrating his 100th birthday in 2027!