As Lightning McQueen prepares to return to the big screen in “Cars 3,” Pixar has extended its collaboration with NASCAR.
- Pixar extends partnership with NASCAR
- Cars 3 will be featured all season long
- NASCAR drivers also voice characters in the movie
The announcement was made Thursday at Daytona International Speedway.
The joint effort will include marketing initiatives and co-branded merchandise.
Owen Wilson, who voices Lightning McQueen, will kick off the collaboration as grand marshal of Sunday’s Daytona 500.
NASCAR drivers Chase Elliot, Daniel Suarez, Ryan Blaney, Bubba Wallace will get their own animated roles, voicing the characters of Chase Racelott, Danny Swervez, Ryan “Inside” Laney and Bubba Wheelhouse.
They join racing legends Richard Petty, Jeff Gordon and Darrell Waltrip, who also lend their voices to the upcoming movie.
“’Cars 3’ very much pays homage to stock car racing and its rich history,” said Brian Fee, the movie’s director. “Our story leans into the drama, emotion and excitement NASCAR fans find at every race.”
As part of the expanded partnership, NASCAR fans will be able to take pictures with life-sized versions of Lightning McQueen, Jackson Storm and Cruz Ramirez.
The characters will make appearances at select races throughout the season as part of a nationwide tour.
The Daytona 500 takes place Sunday, Feb. 26.
“Cars 3” races into theaters June 16.