Route 66
Not to be confused with the song.
The Route 66, also known as The Mother Road and U.S. Route 66, was a historic route (1926-1985) which diagonally crossed the United States. Also considered as the "Main Street of America", it gave rise to new cultures and ways of life, and got its own unique spirit that was reflected in its towns and residents.
History
Route 66 was a popular highway a long time ago. The road was first created in 1926. However, it got removed from the road system in 1985 due to the Interstate highway system. However, several portions of U.S. Route 66 became State Route 66, 166, 266, etc.
Cars
![](/images/thumb/5/53/Cars_route_66.png/300px-Cars_route_66.png)
It was the road where McQueen got lost while supposed to be traveling to California. Sheriff, who was on a stakeout at the time, sees McQueen driving down the route at full speed and chases after him.
In Cars, Route 66 is the route that Radiator Springs is on, somewhere in western Arizona or eastern New Mexico. Back in 1965, the town was popular. However, when Interstate 40 was built, Radiator Springs and Route 66 lost its population, and was even taken off the map.
40 years later, Lightning got lost in Radiator Springs and wrecked the road. He was sentenced to fix the road before he could leave. During his stay, he learned about the history of Radiator Springs and Route 66, and realizes that he's been missing a lot. Finally, he fixes the road, but decides to stay a little longer to make a few purchases and get a new paint job. However, his stay didn't last very long when Mack and hundreds of reporters came and took him to the tie-breaker race.
After the tie-breaker, he comes back to Radiator Springs, announcing that the town was back on the map and that he wants to live here.
Trivia
- Route 66 is actually based on the real U.S. Route 66, as it caught the interest of John Lasseter and the production makers of the film.
- Not mentioned in the film, Route 66 is also known as "The Main Street of America".
Gallery
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Route 66 sign
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