Route 66 is turning 100!

Saturday Sept 12th at 0001Z to Sunday Sept 20th at 2359Z

In 2026, amateur radio operators from across the country and around the world will once again come together to celebrate one of America’s most recognizable highways during Route 66 On The Air.

This year is particularly special.

From its establishment in 1926 to the present day, Route 66 has represented travel, adventure, small-town America, friendship, and the freedom of the open road. For amateur radio operators, Route 66 On The Air gives us another way to keep that history alive: one contact at a time.

A Tradition That Began in 1999
Route 66 On The Air has its own history within amateur radio. The event was originally founded and started in 1999 by the Northern Arizona DX Association, which operated the event for its first two years.  In 2001, the Citrus Belt Amateur Radio Club (CBARC) took the reins and has proudly continued that tradition ever since. That makes 2026 the 25th consecutive year that W6JBT and CBARC have sponsored Route 66 On The Air. The official sponsoring club website for the event is: W6JBT.ORG