A 10-day, 2,400-mile journey is set to begin on September 28, with 14 vehicles traveling from Kingman, Arizona, to Chicago, raising donations to support individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease.
For many classic cars, their days of crossing state lines are behind them, with most now spending more time in storage than on the open road. However, a group of car enthusiasts is looking to change this by embarking on a 2,400-mile adventure along one of the most iconic roads in America, while also raising funds for a good cause.
From September 28 to October 7, the 14-vehicle caravan will make its way east along historic Route 66, retracing the Mother Road as it celebrates its centennial. The journey will conclude at the highway’s historic starting point in Chicago.
The idea for the trip was born out of a long-held dream shared by organizers Brian Macy and Monty Belsham. Belsham’s desire to drive Route 66, which spanned over 20 years, was finally realized when he acquired a 1953 Hudson Hornet. The trip also holds personal significance for Belsham, as his 80-year-old father, who lives with Parkinson’s, will be following the caravan’s progress from his home in British Columbia.
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“I always imagined it would be about the cars, the road and the people you meet along the way,” Belsham said. “But having my dad living with Parkinson’s changes what those miles mean.”
The caravan will feature a range of vehicles, including a 1955 Chevrolet 3100 driven by Joie and Andrea Catucci, a 1940 Ford Sedan Delivery owned by Brian and Heather Macy, and a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The 1940 Ford Sedan Delivery, which previously belonged to Brian’s grandfather, has been rebuilt for long-distance use.
Throughout their journey, the caravan will pass through seven states, including Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. Scheduled stops include the Petrified Forest, Cadillac Ranch, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Springfield, and various historic Route 66 communities. Donations raised during the trip will go towards Drive Toward a Cure’s Special Assistance Grant Fund, which provides direct support to individuals and families facing challenges related to Parkinson’s.
Since 2016, the nonprofit organization has raised over $1.5 million for research, patient care, and outreach. The journey is not only a celebration of classic cars but also an opportunity for these vehicles to fulfill their purpose while making a positive impact on people’s lives.
