Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
The Bell Lexus North Scottsdale Copperstate 1000, presented by the Men’s Arts Council, will return to Arizona from Sunday, April 12, through Wednesday, April 15, 2026, marking the 36th annual running of the vintage automobile road rally.
The event features automobiles manufactured before the 1974 model year and spans approximately 1,000 miles across Arizona highways, combining vintage motoring with fundraising and community engagement, according to a press release.
The Copperstate 1000 draws a selection of vintage, sports, racing, classic and grand touring vehicles, with drivers and co-drivers traveling as a group through multiple regions of the state.
“The Copperstate 1000 is not your average road rally,” Desi Allazetta, chair of the Copperstate 1000, said. “Our participants come from all over the globe to drive 1,000 miles through Arizona in rare vintage vehicles. It has a strong tradition, and our participants look forward to it every year. I am excited to be a part of it and to bring a fresh perspective to the rally.”
Organizers said the 2026 routes will again feature a mix of desert highways, river valleys, historic communities and higher‑elevation landscapes. This year’s rally will also align with the 100th anniversary of Route 66, which will be recognized during the event.
The public is invited to attend the Copperstate 1000 send‑off event, where spectators can view the vehicles and meet participants. The send‑off will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Sunday, April 12, at Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Drive in Tempe, with vehicles staged on the outfield and announced as they depart.
In 2025, the rally included 85 vintage automobiles, with participants traveling from across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Vehicles represented marques such as Porsche, Ferrari, Jaguar and Maserati, along with less common historic models.
“The Copperstate 1000 is truly one of the most distinctive automotive events in the country,” Brent Berge, chief executive officer and sole owner of Berge Auto Group, said. “The Men’s Arts Council delivers a world-class experience, and we’re proud to continue supporting an event that blends automotive excellence with community and culture.”
Bell Lexus North Scottsdale has served as title sponsor of the Copperstate 1000 for more than 20 years and provides support vehicles for rally operations and participant assistance.
