Cars (film) Lightning McQueen, a hotshot rookie race car driven to succeed, discovers that life is about the journey, not the finish line, when he finds himself unexpectedly detoured in the sleepy Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. En route across the country to the big Piston Cup Championship in California to compete against two seasoned pros, McQueen gets to know the town’s offbeat characters—including Sally (a snazzy 2002 Porsche), Doc Hudson (a 1951 Hudson Hornet with a mysterious past), and Mater (a rusty but trusty tow truck)—who help him realize that there are more important things than trophies, fame, and sponsorship. A Disney-Pixar film; released on June 9, 2006. A World Premiere was held on May 26, 2006, at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina. Directed by John Lasseter. Voices include Paul Newman (Doc Hudson), Richard Petty (The King), Owen Wilson (Lightning McQueen), Bonnie Hunt (Sally), Larry the Cable Guy (Mater) Cheech Marin (Ramone), George Carlin (Fillmore), Michael Keaton (Chick Hicks), Tony Shalhoub (Luigi), John Ratzenberger (Mack), Michael Wallis (Sheriff), Paul Dooley (Sarge), Jenifer Lewis (Flo), Katherine Helmond (Lizzie). 117 min. A CGI-animated film. The idea for the film came from director John Lasseter’s love of cars and a 2000 road trip with his family across the country. Randy Newman provided the score. The film is dedicated to longtime storyman Joe Ranft who passed away in 2005 after his work on the film was completed.
