📌 Event Details

Season: 2026-2027 Season

Code: ENG20261913

Timezone: America/Denver

Event Dates: 11/23/2026 - 11/24/2026

Registration: 07/19/2026 - 10/22/2026

💳 Payment Deadline: 10/27/2026

📍 Location

Albuquerque Hotel at Old Town

800 Rio Grande Boulevard NW

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104

🗺️ View on Google Maps

Eligible Grade Levels: Elementary, Middle School

📋 General Information

Route 66 Robot Rally: Road to the Future

100 Years • 100 Robots

Get ready for an unforgettable robotics experience as R4Creating proudly hosts its inaugural Engage Signature Competition — a two-day celebration of innovation, teamwork, and the spirit of discovery!

Inspired by the upcoming 100th Anniversary of Route 66, this signature event brings together the creativity of the past and the technology of the future under the theme:

Route 66 Robot Rally: Road to the Future — 100 Years and 100 Robots

Hosted at the historic Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, teams from across the region and beyond will compete in one of the Southwest's most exciting robotics destinations.

This premier event will feature:

• 100 Engage Teams
• 2 Competitive Divisions
  • 50 Elementary School Teams
  • 50 Middle School Teams
• A high-energy, professionally run tournament atmosphere
• Solo Challenges, Teamwork Matches, Judging, and Signature Event experiences
• Special themed activities celebrating Route 66 and innovation
• Experienced event leadership, including Head Judges and Head Referees that teams may recognize from other premier Signature Events across the country

Most importantly, this event will award:

6 RECF Worlds Championship Spots

• 3 World Championship Qualifications for Engage Elementary School Teams
• 3 World Championship Qualifications for Engage Middle School Teams

Beyond the competition, teams and families will experience the rich culture and excitement of Albuquerque. Located in the heart of historic Old Town, participants will be just steps away from amazing local attractions including:

• Old Town Albuquerque
• Sawmill Market
• Explora Science Center and Children's Museum
• New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
• Local museums, shopping, dining, and iconic Southwestern culture

Whether teams are competing for a Worlds qualification, exploring historic Albuquerque, or celebrating the future of STEM and robotics, this Signature Event is designed to create a memorable experience unlike any other.

Join us as we celebrate 100 years of Route 66 by inspiring the next generation of innovators, engineers, creators, and problem-solvers.

The road ahead starts here.

Route 66 Robot Rally: Road to the Future.

⚠️ Emergency Info

Emergency & Severe Weather Policy

The Route 66 Robot Rally: Road to the Future Engage Signature Competition is an indoor event and is scheduled to take place regardless of typical November weather conditions, including rain, snow, cold temperatures, or wind.

The event will not typically be canceled or postponed due to weather. R4Creating recognizes that teams may travel significant distances to attend and will make every reasonable effort to keep the event operating as scheduled.

Severe or Extreme Weather

In the event of extreme or hazardous weather conditions that create unsafe travel conditions or otherwise pose a significant risk to the safety of teams, families, volunteers, or event staff, R4Creating may modify, delay, shorten, postpone, or cancel the event.

Factors that may be considered include:

• Dangerous road or travel conditions
• Significant snow or ice accumulation
• Severe winter storms
• Extreme wind or other hazardous conditions
• Emergency declarations or official recommendations affecting travel
• Closure of the event venue or surrounding transportation infrastructure
• Other circumstances that R4Creating determines may create an unreasonable safety risk

Event Communication

If weather or another emergency requires a change to the event schedule, R4Creating will communicate the decision as soon as reasonably possible through the event's official communication channels.

Teams should monitor event communications, particularly during the days leading up to the competition, and should make their own travel plans with appropriate consideration for weather conditions.

Individual Travel Decisions

The event proceeding as scheduled does not mean that every team is required to travel if its local conditions are unsafe. Teams and families are responsible for making their own travel and safety decisions.

If a team chooses not to attend because of weather or travel concerns while the event remains open, the absence will be treated as a team cancellation and will be subject to the event's Refund Policy.

Safety First

The safety of our teams, families, volunteers, and staff is our highest priority. R4Creating reserves the right to make changes to the event schedule or operations whenever necessary to protect the safety and well-being of everyone attending the competition.

🧳 Travel Information

🏨 Where to Stay

We encourage teams traveling from outside the Albuquerque area to make hotel reservations as early as possible. We have two excellent hotel options located together in the Old Town area.

Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town

The event hotel is Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, where the competition will be held. Staying at the event hotel offers the ultimate convenience for teams because you can stay, compete, and enjoy the surrounding Old Town area all in one location.

Address:
800 Rio Grande Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104

Hotel Reservation Information:
Coming Soon!

Group Code: Coming Soon!

Reservation Deadline: TBD

Hotel Chaco

Hotel Chaco is located immediately adjacent to Hotel Albuquerque, making it another excellent lodging option for teams and families attending the Signature Event.

Hotel Chaco offers a more contemporary, upscale experience inspired by New Mexico's Chaco Canyon heritage. Its location makes it particularly convenient for families who want to stay close to the competition while also having access to Old Town, Sawmill Market, and nearby restaurants and attractions.

Address:
2000 Bellamah Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104

Because Hotel Chaco is directly next to the event venue, teams staying there can easily walk to the competition.

Hotel Reservation Information:
Coming Soon!

Group Code: Coming Soon!

Reservation Deadline: TBD

Why Stay in the Old Town Area?

Both hotels provide an excellent home base for your team's visit. Staying in the Old Town area means your team and families will be close to:

• Competition venue

• Historic Old Town Albuquerque

• Sawmill Market

• Restaurants and cafés

• Local shops and galleries

• Explora Science Center

• New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science

• Historic Route 66 attractions

We recommend making hotel reservations early. November is a popular time to visit Albuquerque, and room availability can change quickly.

Restaurants (5–10 minute walk)

New Mexican Favorites

• Church Street Cafe (7-minute walk)
  • Historic adobe building
  • Enchiladas, chile rellenos, sopaipillas
  • Large patio
• High Noon Restaurant & Saloon (7-minute walk)
  • Historic Old Town restaurant
  • Steaks, New Mexican dishes, margaritas
• The ORIGINAL Cocina Azul at 12th & Mountain Rd (4–5 minute drive)
  • One of Albuquerque's most popular local restaurants
  • Excellent breakfast
  • Famous for brisket enchiladas and green chile
• Monroe's Restaurant(4-minute drive)
  • Family-owned since 1962
  • Carne adovada and traditional New Mexican food

Inside or Adjacent to the Hotels

• Garduño's (inside Hotel Albuquerque)
  • Convenient for teams and families
  • New Mexican cuisine
  • Large outdoor patio
• Level 5 Rooftop Restaurant (inside Hotel Chaco)
  • Best sunset views in the neighborhood
  • Rooftop dining
  • Excellent for mentor dinners
• Farris's at Hotel Chaco
  • Southwestern-inspired menu
  • Breakfast and lunch

Sawmill District Restaurants

• Sawmill Market (2-minute walk)
  • 20+ food vendors
  • Ideal for robotics teams because everyone can choose something different
• Seasons Rotisserie & Grill (3-minute walk)
  • Upscale American cuisine
  • Wood-fired cooking
• The Kosmos Restaurant (4-minute drive)
  • Fun, space-themed restaurant
  • Burgers and gastropub menu
• Ponderosa Brewing Company (6-minute walk)
  • Craft brewery
  • Sandwiches and pub food
  • Large patio
• D. H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro (5-minute walk)
  • Wine flights
  • Bistro menu
  • Excellent for adults after competition hours

Pizza, Bakery, Breakfast, and Quick Bites

• Old Town Pizza Parlor(7-minute walk)
  • Great team dinner option
• Golden Crown Panaderia (5-minute drive)
  • Albuquerque's most famous local bakery
  • Fresh bread, cookies, and pizza
• Central Grill and Coffee House (4-minute drive)
  • Outstanding breakfast
  • Blue corn pancakes
  • Large portions
• The Range Cafe (10-minute walk)
  • All-day breakfast
  • Burgers, salads, and New Mexican favorites

Places to Visit (Walking Distance)

• Old Town Plaza (5-minute walk)
  • Historic center of Albuquerque
  • More than 100 shops and galleries
• Albuquerque Museum (5-minute walk)
  • Art, history, sculpture garden
• Explora Science Center and Children's Museum (10-minute walk)
  • Hands-on science exhibits
  • Excellent for students
• New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science (8-minute walk)
  • Dinosaurs
  • Space science exhibits
• American International Rattlesnake Museum (8-minute walk)
  • One of Albuquerque's most unique museums

Places to Visit (Within a 5-Minute Drive)

• ABQ BioPark Aquarium (3-minute drive)
• ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden (3-minute drive)
• Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (5-minute drive)
• El Vado Motel (4-minute drive)
  • Route 66 destination
  • Shops, food, neon signs, and live music

Best Recommendations for Route 66 Robot Rally Teams

🚗 Getting Around Albuquerque

🚗 Parking & Transportation Information

Parking Information:
Teams traveling to Albuquerque by car will find complimentary on-site self-parking at Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town. The hotel provides private parking for overnight guests, and parking is also included as part of the hotel's current amenity package.

Hotel Chaco, located immediately adjacent to Hotel Albuquerque, also provides convenient access to the event and Old Town. Teams staying at either property should check directly with the hotel regarding current parking policies and availability.

Teams traveling with trailers, vans, or other large vehicles should contact the hotel in advance to confirm appropriate parking arrangements. While there is parking available, larger vehicles may require additional consideration.

✈️ Airport & Private Transportation

Teams flying into Albuquerque will arrive at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). For teams that do not plan to rent a vehicle, several transportation options are available. The airport is approximately 6.5 Miles  which is 11 to 15 minutes from the event hotel depending on traffic.

Elegance Limousines & Black Car Services provides private transportation, limousine services, and airport transportation throughout Albuquerque and New Mexico. The company offers options ranging from private cars and SUVs to larger limousine vehicles and group transportation. Elegance specifically lists both Hotel Albuquerque and Hotel Chaco among the properties it services.

Elegance Limousines & Black Car Services
📞 505-918-8002
 Elegance Limousines & Black Car Services

Reservations should be made directly with the transportation provider in advance, particularly for larger groups or airport pickups. Elegance advertises 24-hour service and support.

🚘 Other Transportation Options

Uber and Lyft operate throughout Albuquerque and are convenient options for individuals and smaller groups traveling between the airport, hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

Teams staying at Hotel Albuquerque or Hotel Chaco will also find that Historic Old Town is highly walkable, with restaurants, shops, museums, and other attractions nearby.

Travel Tip for Teams: If your team is traveling with a trailer or a large amount of robotics equipment, we recommend driving to the event or arranging transportation that can accommodate your equipment rather than relying solely on rideshare services.

Important: Parking and transportation arrangements are subject to hotel and transportation-provider policies and availability. Teams should confirm arrangements directly with the hotel or transportation provider before traveling.

However, teams staying at either Hotel Albuquerque or Hotel Chaco will find many Old Town attractions, restaurants, and activities accessible by walking.

🗓️ Agenda

Day 1: November 22

More Details coming soon!

Day 2: November 23

Day 3: November 24

Please Note: This is a general event agenda and is subject to change. Minor adjustments to the schedule may be made as needed to accommodate event operations.

⚙️ Judging Format

Judging Policy

Route 66 Robot Rally: Road to the Future Engage Signature Competition

R4Creating is committed to providing a fair, consistent, and meaningful judging experience for every team participating in the Route 66 Robot Rally: Road to the Future Engage Signature Competition.

Judging will consist of two primary components:

1. Online Engineering Notebook Review
2. In-Person Team Interview

Both components provide teams with opportunities to demonstrate their engineering process, teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, and growth throughout the season.

Important: Award Eligibility

Certain judged awards require a team to complete both the Online Engineering Notebook submission and the In-Person Team Interview in order to be considered.

Teams that do not submit an Engineering Notebook by the published deadline, or that do not participate in their scheduled in-person interview, may be ineligible for awards that require both components, regardless of the team's performance in other areas of the competition.

Teams should carefully review the current REC Foundation judging guidelines and the event's published award criteria to understand which awards require participation in the judging process.

Review the judges section in the Game Manual which provides additional links to judging rubrics.

1. Online Engineering Notebook Judging

All teams wishing to have their Engineering Notebook considered for judged awards must submit a link to their online Engineering Notebook prior to the event.

Notebook Submission Deadline

Notebook Link Submission Cut-Off:
October 24th, 2026

Notebook links must be submitted by the published deadline. Links received after the deadline may not be reviewed and may result in the team being ineligible for awards requiring notebook review.

Teams are responsible for ensuring that:

• The submitted link is correct and accessible.
• Judges can view the notebook without requesting additional permission.
• The notebook is available for review by the submission deadline.
• Any required sharing settings have been properly configured.
• The submitted notebook represents the team's work.

Teams should test their link using a device or account that is not associated with the team's account to ensure judges will be able to access it.

Teams are encouraged to document the process, not simply the finished robot.

2. In-Person Team Interviews

Each team will have an opportunity to participate in an in-person interview with the judging panel during the event.

The interview provides teams with an opportunity to explain their Engineering Notebook, discuss their robot and programming, and demonstrate the knowledge and experiences behind their work.

Judges may ask questions based on information contained in the team's Engineering Notebook.

Teams should be prepared to discuss topics such as:

• How the team approached the season's challenge
• Major design decisions
• Changes made to the robot
• Programming strategies
• Testing and iteration
• Problems the team encountered
• How the team solved problems
• What the team learned
• How team members contributed
• How the team worked together
• What the team would change or improve

Team Participation

The interview should provide an opportunity for multiple team members to participate. Teams are encouraged to ensure that all team members understand the team's robot, programming, engineering process, and notebook.

The interview is intended to be a conversation between the team and judges rather than a formal presentation.

3. In-Person Interview Hours

In-person interview will be conducted during the interview periods listed in the official event agenda. Teams will not be assigned individual interview times.

Instead, teams may choose when to come to the judging area during the designated judging hours.

First Come, First Served

Judging will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Teams should plan to arrive at the interview judging area during the designated judging hours and check in with the judging staff. Teams will be placed in the next available interview position.

Because 100 teams will be participating in the Signature Event, teams are encouraged to complete their interview as early as possible during the available interview judging periods rather than waiting until the end of the judging window.

Interview Judging Availability

Judging will be available only during the times identified in the official event agenda.

Monday Judging:
9:00 AM - 5:30PM  closed for lunch

Tuesday Judging:
8:00 AM - 12 (noon)

Teams arriving outside of the designated judging periods may not be able to complete their interview.

Team Responsibility

It is the team's responsibility to make sure they complete their in-person interview during one of the available judging periods.

Teams should allow sufficient time to:

• Locate the judging area
• Check in with the judging staff
• Wait for the next available interview
• Complete the team interview

Teams should not wait until the final minutes of the judging period to attempt their interview. R4Creating cannot guarantee that a team arriving at the end of the judging period will be able to complete an interview.

Please plan accordingly and make completing your judging interview a priority when you arrive at the event.

4. Judging Fairness & Confidentiality

R4Creating will make every effort to provide a consistent judging process for all participating teams.

Judges will evaluate teams using the current REC Foundation Engage judging guidelines and award criteria applicable to the competition season.

Judges are independent of individual teams and will not advocate for or against a particular team.

Judging discussions and deliberations are confidential. Teams, coaches, parents, and spectators should not approach judges to discuss individual judging decisions or attempt to influence the judging process.

5. What Judges Are Looking For

Teams should remember that the Engineering Notebook and interview are opportunities to demonstrate what the team learned and how the team developed, not simply how successful the robot is on the competition field.

A robot that performs well is only one part of the Engage Robotics Team experience.

Judges are interested in seeing evidence of:

Investigate → Design → Build → Program → Test → Evaluate → Improve

Teams should be proud of their successes as well as the challenges, failures, redesigns, and lessons that helped them grow.

Notebook Submission Reminder

Engineering Notebook Link Deadline:

October 24th, 2026

Submission Links:
Submitted through the RECF Coaches account online. 

Teams are responsible for confirming that their notebook link is submitted and accessible before the deadline.

Remember: Certain judged awards require BOTH an eligible Engineering Notebook submission AND participation in the In-Person Team Interview.

R4Creating looks forward to celebrating the engineering process, creativity, teamwork, and innovation demonstrated by all 100 teams at Route 66 Robot Rally: Road to the Future.

🏆 Awards

💵 Refund Policy

Refund Policy

Registration fees for the Route 66 Robot Rally: Road to the Future Engage Signature Competition are generally non-refundable. Once a team has registered and payment has been received, the registration fee is considered committed to event-related expenses, including venue costs, equipment, staffing, awards, and other event preparations.

Refunds will not typically be issued for cancellations, team withdrawals, scheduling conflicts, travel arrangements, changes in team availability, or failure to attend the event.

In exceptional circumstances, R4Creating may, at its sole discretion, consider a refund request. Any approved refund may be subject to administrative or non-recoverable event costs.

If the event must be canceled or significantly altered due to circumstances beyond R4Creating's control, R4Creating will communicate available options to registered teams. Refunds, credits, or other remedies, if offered, will be determined based on the circumstances and the costs already incurred by the event.

By registering for the event, the registering party acknowledges and agrees to this Refund Policy.