In Pixar's Cars, which real highway is Route 66 based on?

In Pixar's Cars, the road associated with Radiator Springs is based on U.S. Route 66. The historic highway strongly influenced the film's setting, characters, and themes of changing American travel.

U.S. Route 66 was established in 1926 and originally connected Chicago, Illinois, with Santa Monica, California. It crossed several states and became famous through migration, tourism, roadside businesses, music, and popular culture. The route was removed from the United States Highway System in 1985 after newer interstate highways replaced much of its long-distance role.

Cars uses the decline of Route 66 communities as a central piece of Radiator Springs' history. Interstate 40 diverts traffic away from the fictional town, leaving its businesses and population diminished. Pixar filmmakers researched Route 66 and drew inspiration from real roadside landmarks and people. Route 66 is not itself the Piston Cup track; it is the historic road that frames the town's past and its eventual revival.