Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced the Great American Road Trip, a new ongoing campaign to promote American-made vehicles and automotive tourism.
Introduced through a car show and expo outside U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters in Washington, D.C., last week, the Great American Road Trip campaign helps kick off the broader America250 initiative, a series of nonpartisan civic celebrations coordinated by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary next year.
The convenience industry took part in the event alongside automobile and RV manufacturers, quick-serve restaurants, and others in the hospitality and tourism sectors. NACS members Pilot and RaceTrac were among the companies welcoming visitors with refreshments and giveaways at the expo’s main stage. Their teams also distributed a handout featuring an infographic with NACS data on road trips and highlighting recent NACS Magazine articles about road trips: Worth the Road Trip! from the May 2025 issue, and The Worst Road Trip Ever from the December 2022 issue.
“Convenience stores are an integral part of road trips, not only as a quick stop to refuel and refresh, but also increasingly as destinations along the way because of their exceptional food and overall customer experience,” said Matt Durand, NACS deputy general counsel, who attended the expo. “We’re honored that the U.S. Department of Transportation asked NACS and our members to be part of this celebration.”
“There’s nothing quite like a great American road trip, and we are excited to see the Department of Transportation encouraging people to experience our country’s highways,” added Eva Rigamonti, vice president of government and legal affairs for Pilot. “Pilot is uniquely positioned to fuel these journeys across the country. Whether it’s heading to the national parks or driving for a quick escape, Pilot is there to be your partner on your next road trip.”
“Whether it’s a refreshing fountain beverage, a slice of made in-house pizza, clean well-lit facilities, or competitively priced fuel, RaceTrac provides travelers with a frictionless guest experience to get you to your next destination,” said Jake Olson, RaceTrac’s executive director of public policy. “RaceTrac is an essential part of all road trips, which is why RaceTrac was thrilled to participate in the USDOT Great American Road Trip Summer Kickoff. RaceTrac appreciates Secretary Duffy highlighting the important role convenience stores play in meeting the needs of road trippers, enabling them to focus on creating unforgettable memories wherever their travels take them.”
The Great American Road Trip website includes a list of 250 U.S. destinations travelers can visit by car, including links for less-than-expected stops grouped by category. For example, “quicky Americana made of corn” includes South Dakota’s Corn Palace, and “Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Legacy” directs travelers to Independence, Kansas, where they can visit the Little House on the Prairie Museum.