Route 66 Centennial Project: American Truck Simulator Receives Official Recognition

Today, the team at SCS Software is incredibly excited to share a truly special milestone for American Truck Simulator. It celebrates not only our journey, but the legacy of one of the most iconic roads in the world.

Route 66 Centennial Project: A Historic Milestone

Route 66 is a legendary highway in the United States. It stretches from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California. The road crosses eight states along the way. First established in 1926, it became one of America’s first continuous highways. Route 66 played a major role in U.S. culture and history.

Official Recognition for Route 66 Centennial Project

In 2026, Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary. A wide range of events and initiatives are being organised to honour its legacy. As part of these celebrations, the Route 66 Centennial Commission has brought together official projects. These help preserve, showcase, and share the story of this legendary road with the world.

The team is incredibly proud to share that American Truck Simulator has been recognised as an Official Route 66 Centennial Project. This prestigious designation was approved by the United States government and Congress. It places our work alongside a range of initiatives honouring the legacy of Route 66 as it reaches its 100-year milestone. The Route 66 Centennial Project ATS recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication.

A Message from the Centennial Commission

The team put together a short video showcasing some of the iconic locations along this historic highway. You can find them in American Truck Simulator. Check it out below.

Bill Thomas, Commissioner for the Route 66 Centennial Commission, shared these words: “SCS Software’s Route 66 recreation in their American Truck Simulator video game offers an unprecedented way to experience the history, culture, and beauty of America’s most iconic highway. This digital re-creation not only celebrates the centennial milestone but also honours the people and communities that have kept Route 66 alive for generations.”

A Long-Term Goal Completed

The team is truly honoured that American Truck Simulator has been included in this initiative. Since the release of ATS in 2016, the team has carefully built the game world state by state. The goal has always been to recreate real locations with authenticity and care. One of the long-term goals has been to bring Route 66 to life in a way that players everywhere can experience and enjoy.

With the upcoming release of the Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator, the virtual recreation of Route 66 will be completed in full. Players will be able to drive the entire historic route from Chicago to Los Angeles. The journey spans across all eight states. This marks a major milestone not only for the game, but also for everyone who has dreamed of experiencing this legendary journey. For more on the Illinois DLC, check out our Illinois settlements preview and Springfield city preview.

Thank You to the Centennial Commission and Community

The team would like to thank the Route 66 Centennial Commission for this incredible recognition. Of course, thanks also go to the community, whose support continues to drive the team forward. The team looks forward to sharing more with you as we approach the completion of Route 66 in American Truck Simulator.

Follow SCS Software on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and YouTube. Sign up for the newsletter for direct updates. Until next time, keep on truckin’.