Radiator Springs Here we Come

The steel bridges along historic Route 66 are a blend of engineering and art. Beautiful.

The steel bridges along historic Route 66 are a blend of engineering and art. Beautiful.

No, we’re really not headed to the fictional town of Radiator Springs, but if you’re familiar with the Disney/Pixar movie “Cars”, you may have an idea of what it’s like out here on Route 66 during the Great Race 2015.  It’s fun, it’s picturesque and it’s one beautiful vista after another combined with roadside Americana that you simply won’t see anywhere else. This itinerary is one of the best yet and we’re overwhelmed with the beauty of our country and the history of the Route. But it can be distracting. In fact, so distracting that Mary and I missed the ONE turn we were supposed to make during one of our segments. But not to worry, we got back on track. (You can follow our progress on the route by clicking this link.) All the Spirit of Stahls teams are doing exceptionally well this year, with Aces being awarded to all teams and the anticipation of more to come. We are enjoying the friendly competition between the teams, as well as the fierce camaraderie that develops from this one-of-a-kind experience we are able to share.

If you ever have the opportunity to take this drive, it's worth the time.

If you ever have the opportunity to take this drive, it’s worth the time.

The scenery on historic Route 66 is right out of a dream.

The scenery on historic Route 66 is right out of a dream.

This could be a painting.

This could be a painting.

Watching the classic cars in the Great Race on Route 66 transport you back in time.

Watching the classic cars in the Great Race on Route 66 transport you back in time.

Who doesn't love to see Americana like this along the road?

Who doesn’t love to see Americana like this along the road?

The Conoco Tower and U Drop Inn in Shamrock, Texas. (Photo courtesy roadtrippers.com)

We enjoyed seeing the iconic Conoco Tower and U Drop Inn in Shamrock, Texas, along Route 66 as we head to Amarillo. (Photo courtesy roadtrippers.com)

The GTO is very popular with rally watchers.

The GTO is very popular with rally watchers.

Rolling into Oklahoma City, the fans were out if full force.

Rolling into Oklahoma City, the fans were out if full force.

We are really enjoying the "top down" weather.

We are really enjoying the “top down” weather.

Josh and Trevor earned their very first "ACE," which means a perfect score for the segment. Congratulations!

Josh and Trevor earned their very first “ACE,” which means a perfect score for the segment. Congratulations!

Josh proudly applies the first "ACE" to the Stars and Stripes.

Josh proudly applies the first “ACE” to the Stars and Stripes.

Thomas and Benjamin have also earned an "ACE" on the route. Congratulations!

Thomas and Benjamin have also earned an “ACE” on the route. Congratulations!

Dan and Brett have two aces to their credit!

Dan and Brett have two aces to their credit!

Brett carefully applies an "ACE".

Brett carefully applies an “ACE”.

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Not every kid has a grandmother with the nickname “Two Wheel Mary.”

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Getting some pointers from Benjamin.

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The Spirit is strong! Thanks for coming to the start of the race kids!

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Brett and Dan review instructions.

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Brett and Sarah Stahl.

Brett and Sarah Stahl at the start of the Great Race in Kirkwood, Missouri back on June 20th.

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