Route 66 to THe
SEMA SHOW 2025

THIS YEAR’S EVENT

We’re kicking off Pavement Pounder Events with a historic first: a road trip that combines two legends — Route 66 and the SEMA Show — into one unforgettable journey.

This isn’t your average driving event. It’s a throwback to when the road trip was king — when the map was paper, the path wasn’t obvious, and the reward was found in both the destination and the drive itself.

The Mother Road

We’ll set off from Pontiac, Illinois, and cruise along the most iconic highway in America. Route 66 — the “Mother Road” — was the original cross-country path. It opened the door to the American road trip nearly 100 years ago. Today, it’s a patchwork of old alignments, forgotten bypasses, and small-town relics. Some parts now lie under the interstate, some are crumbling, and others have been revived as historic treasures. Along the way, we’ll take in vintage neon, roadside oddities, desert landscapes, and a few of the places most travelers never get to see.

The SEMA Show

Our journey ends at one of the automotive world’s most exciting destinations: the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Whether you’re in the industry or just obsessed with cars, there’s no better place to wrap up a journey like this. The builds. The tech. The people. The energy. It’s the perfect finale.

Not for the Faint of Heart

This route covers more than 2,000 miles — from the green heart of the Midwest to the high deserts of Arizona. We’ll climb to over 7,000 feet, follow winding blacktop through forgotten towns, and hit stretches where cell service is spotty and GPS is useless. This is old-school road tripping — with long days, unpredictable pavement, and just enough grit to make it memorable.

Leave the Planning to Us

We’ve done the hard work. After decades of running Route 66 — and two recent pre-runs — we’ve mapped out a suggested route with what we feel are the best stops, scenic detours, and can’t-miss landmarks. You’ll travel with a community of like-minded enthusiasts, and we’ll provide all the info you need to make the most of it.

Where You’ll Stay

We’ve lined up Hampton Inn properties as host hotels for most nights — clean, dependable, and well-rated. In Tucumcari, NM, the historic Blue Swallow Motel will be the host hotel, and in Winslow, AZ, we’ve selected the iconic La Posada Hotel. If you prefer other lodging, that’s fine too — every stop has a range of options.

 

The Trip You’ll Talk About for Years

Route 66 is the ultimate back road, and there’s no better way to experience the real America. If you’ve always wanted to do this trip but didn’t know where to start, this is your moment.

Come be part of a one-of-a-kind event. Before the crowds hit the road for Route 66’s 100th anniversary in 2026, we’re getting a head start — and doing it our way.