Photos (credit to Visit Albuquerque): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/866c0atoxcnza8jfwznzx/ADz3ia80mw0XHM1YWDTrFOc?rlkey=24j2vbpxakmqkl4pchofyb3zk&st=vt7d6de3&dl=0
Media Contact:
Brenna Moore/Visit Albuquerque
Office: (505) 222-4349
Moore@VisitABQ.org
Albuquerque Named Best Overnight City by 2026 Hemmings Great Race
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – (Aug. 5, 2026) – Albuquerque was voted the “Best Overnight City” by participants of the 2026 Hemmings Great Race during its historic Route 66 Centennial tour, race officials have announced.
The nine-day, cross-country rally featured more than 120 vintage automobiles built in 1974 or earlier. The event follows a new route each year, stopping in communities that showcase their local character. This year’s Route 66 Centennial route made Albuquerque a natural fit for a June 24 overnight stop. Upon arriving in the city, racers were greeted by nearly 1,000 spectators at a welcome celebration at Balloon Fiesta Park.
Visit Albuquerque and its community partners marked the racers' arrival with a celebration of the city's rich automotive heritage. In the weeks leading up to the stop, Visit Albuquerque attended local car shows and cruise nights, inviting classic car owners, lowrider enthusiasts and residents to help welcome participants to the Duke City.
When the Great Race rolled into Balloon Fiesta Park, participants were greeted by more than 60 locally owned classic cars and lowriders, eight local vendors, three food trucks, a mariachi performance and a hot air balloon candlestick burn—all creating a festive celebration of Albuquerque’s distinctive culture. Eleven volunteers and nine Visit Albuquerque staff members helped bring the event to life.
“Albuquerque delivered an exceptional hospitality experience for the Great Race in the beautiful setting of Sid Cutter Pavilion,” said Houston Gibson, Events & Experience Manager for the Hemmings Great Race. “From the delicious food and the crowd-favorite root beer float station to the candlestick balloon glow and lowrider-lined arrival, every detail made our race community feel welcome, and we are grateful to partner with outstanding communities like Albuquerque.”
"We wanted Great Race participants to experience what makes Albuquerque special," said Tania Armenta, President & CEO of Visit Albuquerque. "Route 66 is part of our city's identity, and Albuquerque's passionate community of classic car owners and lowrider enthusiasts created an experience the racers won't soon forget.”
The celebration was made possible through the collaboration of Visit Albuquerque, the City of Albuquerque’s Parks & Recreation Department, the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture Department, Schimmel Security, Artemis Promotions, Rio Bravo Brewing Company, Tomasita's, local vendors, volunteers and dozens of classic car and lowrider owners who proudly displayed their vehicles.
“This honor belongs to the partners, volunteers and community members who came together to showcase Albuquerque's hospitality and make every visitor feel welcome,” said Angela Gandy, Director of Sports Development for the Albuquerque Sports Commission (a division of Visit Albuquerque).
The “Best Overnight City” recognition reflects Albuquerque's ability to unite community partners, local businesses and residents in creating memorable visitor experiences. It also reinforces the city's reputation as a premier destination for automotive events and celebrations during the Route 66 Centennial and beyond.
Albuquerque was not the only New Mexico community recognized; Great Race participants also voted Gallup the “Best Lunch City.” Together, the honors reinforce New Mexico’s appeal as a must-visit destination along the Mother Road during the Route 66 Centennial.
About Visit Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Sports Commission
Visit Albuquerque is an accredited destination marketing organization (DMO), and a private, not-for-profit organization [501(c)(6)]. The mission of Visit Albuquerque is to stimulate economic growth by marketing Albuquerque as a convention and visitor destination, as well as a premier sports destination through the efforts of the Albuquerque Sports Commission (a division of Visit Albuquerque). For more information, go to www.VisitABQ.org.
About Hemmings Great Race
The Hemmings Great Race presented by Coker Tire is the world's premier vintage automobile rally, bringing together drivers and navigators from across the country to compete in a nine-day, time-speed-endurance event. Open to vehicles manufactured in 1974 or earlier, the annual rally travels a different route each year, celebrating America's scenic highways, historic communities and automotive heritage. Since its founding in 1983, the Great Race has visited hundreds of cities across the United States, connecting participants and spectators through a shared passion for classic automobiles and adventure.
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