Cars (2006)
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74% of critics liked it
(193 reviews) -
80% of users liked it
(785,952 ratings)
A pedal-to-the-metal race car determined to prove his worth on the tracks discovers that life isn't always about crossing the finish line first in Toy Story director John Lasseter's mechanically minded tale of friendship and loyalty. Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) may be just a rookie, but… More A pedal-to-the-metal race car determined to prove his worth on the tracks discovers that life isn't always about crossing the finish line first in Toy Story director John Lasseter's mechanically minded tale of friendship and loyalty. Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) may be just a rookie, but he's convinced that he can realize his dream of zooming by the checkered flag if he can only make it to California in time to compete in the upcoming Piston Cup Championship. When Lightning takes a detour into the slow-moving, Route 66 town of Radiator Springs, however, it begins to appear as if his shot at the big time has effectively stalled out. Of course, Lightning's exciting cross-country trek wasn't all for naught, and after befriending such quirky Radiator Springs residents as Sally the Porsche (voice of Bonnie Hunt), Doc Hudson (voice of Paul Newman), and Mater the Tow Truck (voice of Larry the Cable Guy), the eager young racer learns that sometimes life is more about the voyage than the outcome of the race. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Rating, Runtime
- G, 1 hr. 56 min.
- Directed By
- John Lasseter
- Written By
- Kiel Murray, John Lasseter, Phil Lorin, Dan Fogelman
- Genres
- Action & Adventure, Animation, Kids & Family, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Jun 9, 2006 Wide
- On DVD
- Nov 7, 2006
- Studio
- Buena Vista
Critic Reviews
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Christy Lemire, Denver Rocky Mountain News
Rips off Doc Hollywood, almost note for note.
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Anthony Lane, New Yorker
Along came the interstate, apparently, and ruined everything. Just like that darned Internet, I guess, or that superhighway stuff, or those dumb movies they make with computers nowadays.
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Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
Cars might get us into car world as a gimmick, but it doesn't get us into car world as a state of mind. Thus, the animation, rather than seeming like an expression of the movie's deeper truth, becomes an impediment to it.
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Peter Howell, Toronto Star
Cars made me want to hop in my jalopy and to head out to Route 66, bypassing the boring interstate highways that made the Mother Road redundant.
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Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
It's beautiful to look at. The talking cars feel more alive than talking cars should.
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Lisa Rose, Newark Star-Ledger
It's another innovative piece of entertainment from the animation studio, taking the audience on a kinetic trip into a world populated only by automobiles.
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Joshua Starnes, ComingSoon.net
Cars is a nice homily to small town life and remembering the past - which definitely has its charms - and call for remembering our roots, but it's been done better elsewhere.
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Kit Bowen, Hollywood.com
Pixar's latest visual stunner with a heart of gold honors our obsession with the automobile. Although it will make many nostalgic for the open road, especially the historic Route 66, the kids might get a little bored with this one.
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Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
Pixar's grown so metallic that having automobiles for animated characters becomes disturbingly apt
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Steve Biodrowski, Cinefantastique
Although the plot coasts along a predictable path, the verbal jokes and sight gags rev things up along the way, making the film enjoyable almost from start to finish.
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Felix Vasquez Jr., Cinema Crazed
I've never seen a Pixar film so void of magic, and originality before...
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Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
Owen Wilson's infectious good-natured energy permeates Pixar's light-hearted animated movie about "Lightning McQueen" a rookie competition race car that discovers there's more to life than winning races.
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Justine Elias, Boston Phoenix
This noisy animated paean to NASCAR and Route 66 gets mired in the middle laps on a grippy track.
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Steven D. Greydanus, Decent Films Guide
Cars is Pixar's most improbable success to date, a film that could easily have misfired, but somehow does not.
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Jim Lane, Sacramento News & Review
Here it is, another masterpiece from director John Lasseter and his fellow geniuses at Pixar Animation Studios, once again raising the bar out of reach of everyone but themselves.
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Cynthia Fuchs, Common Sense Media
Pixar comedy is full of four-wheeled fun.
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Demetrios Matheou, Film4
Despite its technical accomplishments, Cars feels less Formula One than Ford Fiesta.
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Brandon Fibbs, BrandonFibbs.com
One of these days, the magicians at Pixar will make a bad movie%u2013or even a mediocre one%u2013but it hasn't happened yet.
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Joe Lozito, Big Picture Big Sound
The rote melancholy song by Randy Newman evokes more laughter than compassion.
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Jette Kernion, Cinematical
It's never a good sign when the funniest, most entertaining part of a movie are the closing credits.
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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Matheus C
O ano de 2006 constatou a realização de uma previsão feita por analistas e fãs desde o início da década: a saturação do mercado de animação. Devido aos imensos sucessos dos filmes da Pixar e o fenômeno de certo ogro verde, diversos estúdios colocaram em produção uma série de animados… More
O ano de 2006 constatou a realização de uma previsão feita por analistas e fãs desde o início da década: a saturação do mercado de animação. Devido aos imensos sucessos dos filmes da Pixar e o fenômeno de certo ogro verde, diversos estúdios colocaram em produção uma série de animados digitais, esperando receberem sua fatia de lucros. Tal foi o interesse que o ano finalizou com mais de dezesseis produções animadas tendo estreado apenas nos EUA, com a grande maioria tendo desempenho muito abaixo das expectativas. Esta grande exposição casou efeito reverso no público, que deixou de considerar animação algo especial, sendo também necessário mencionar que muitos destes filmes seguem a semelhante fórmula de comédia com tiradas pop estreladas por animais. No meio deste ano conturbado, chega Carros, a primeira produção lançada após a compra da Pixar pela Disney. Oferecendo uma opção diferente dos animais falantes e ainda tendo como vantagem "dos criadores de Toy Story e Os Incríveis" nos cartazes, o filme conseguiu se destacar dos demais, ainda que não da forma como muitos esperavam. Mesmo lucrando $244 milhões nos EUA e se tornando a segunda maior bilheteria norte-americana de 2006, os resultados ficaram abaixo das últimas produções do estúdio, o que levaram ao início das pífias especulações a respeito da trilha de sucessos da Pixar (tal situação remete ao ano do lançamento de Pocahontas). Carros nos introduz ao protagonista Lightning McQueen (voz de Owen Wilson), um arrogante carro de corridas que cruza o país para competir na Copa do Pistão na Califórnia. Quando um desvio de percurso acidental o faz se perder do seu caminho, ele acaba parando na pacata e abandonada cidade de Radiator Springs. Preso no lugar por infrações cometidas, ele se vê obrigado a conviver com figuras como o misterioso Doc Hudson (voz do ótimo Paul Newman), a adorável porshe Sally e um velho reboque chamado Mate (Larry the Cable Guy). O filme segue as relações de Lightning com o restante dos personagens, sendo que tudo leva à inevitável corrida ao final. Talvez o principal problema de Carros seja o fato de ter sido lançado após uma onda de seis grandes sucessos, o que torna a comparação inevitável. E infelizmente, ainda que muito bom por seus próprios méritos, não chega ao nível de excelência de produções passadas da Pixar. Um dos principais aspectos negativos é a falta da naturalidade com que o desenrolar narrativo e as relações entre os personagens fluem, sendo que muitas vezes podemos ver as "engrenagens girando" - ou seja, é possível perceber a manipulação da narrativa para ir de ponto A ao ponto B. Isto também é prejudicado pelo fato de o arco do personagem Lightning McQueen já ter sido visto diversas outras vezes no cinema (personagem falho deve passar por mudanças ao se encontrar na companhia de outros que não lhe agradam). Apesar de coloridos e interessantes, boa parte do restante do elenco do filme não passa de estereótipos já mostrados em diversos outros filmes de animação, como o caipira gente boa e o sargento rabugento. A maior diferença entre Carros e as produções anteriores da Pixar é sua escolha de elenco - ou, devemos dizer espécie. Enquanto nos filmes anteriores os cineastas conseguiram a façanha de fazer o espectador se envolver emocionalmente com brinquedos, insetos, monstros e peixes, de certa forma o mesmo efeito não é alcançado com carros. Talvez seja neste ponto no qual muitos amantes das máquinas irão discordar, mas torna-se mais complexo estabelecer uma conexão com um mundo em que todos os personagens são feitos de lata e andam sobre quatro rodas. Além disso, podemos nos questionar a respeito da verossimilhança de um universo que é povoado exclusivamente por carros, mas que tem a mesma aparência do nosso. Em um mundo povoado apenas por máquinas dotadas de rodas e desprovidas de braços, é possível ponderar como todo o ambiente ao redor dos personagens foi construído. Talvez o espectador não devesse pensar sobre tais fatos em um filme de fantasia mas, como diria Walt Disney, para ocorrer a suspensão de descrença é necessária a ilusão do impossível plausível. Independente de tais falhas, o pessoal da Pixar ainda não esqueceu como fazer um filme envolvente, e desta forma não podemos negar que Carros é um saudável entretenimento que conquista o espectador pelo seu charme. John Lesseter conseguiu inserir no filme um verdadeiro espírito de camaradagem e nostalgia que permeia por entre os vagantes da Rota 66, criando um afiado contraste entre o mundo moderno e apressado das pistas de corrida. Isso não significa que a produção seja uma crítica aos tempos mais atuais, mas sim uma ode às épocas passadas onde relacionamentos eram menos complicados e a vida era mais simples. Em uma das melhores passagens de Carros, vemos uma montagem que ilustra os tempos áureos e a derrocada de Radiator Springs com a construção da interestadual. Em outra cena vemos a pequena cidade voltar aos seus anos prósperos, regada a uma trilha dos anos cinqüenta e jovens (carros) que não resistem ao hábito de cruising. Um paralelo entre o passado e o presente pode ser estendido até mesmo com os atuais tempos da animação, onde lápis é pincel são jogados de lado a favor de mouse e teclado. Mesmo não apresentando grandes inovações como os pelos que se movem de Sulley ou a animação humana dos Incríveis, Carros é tecnicamente impecável. As cenas ambientadas no interior surpreendem por seu foto realismo, sendo que alguns planos abertos parecem ter saído de um western de John Ford. Também vale citar o criativo design dos personagens, que fogem da tentação de utilizar os faróis como olhos e que possuem personalidade própria, apesar de suas limitações. Apesar de não se sustentar tão bem quando inspecionado categoricamente, Carros é um filme cujo total funciona melhor que a soma de suas partes. De certa forma, podemos dizer que o slogan dos cartazes funciona para o próprio animado: "o que importa não é o destino, mas sim o percurso". E no estado atual da indústria da animação, qualquer produção que se preocupa com o interior de seus personagens e não seja apenas uma colagem de referências pop e de sucessivas piadas de humor de banheiro já é algo a celebrar. -
Brad W
Pixar has made a record for the best animated movies ever, this one wasnt good for me. Racecar Lightning Mcqueen (Owen Wilson) is a self centered racing star, and on his trip to California for a big race he is lost on Route 66 and accidentaly destroys the road of a ghost town called… More
Pixar has made a record for the best animated movies ever, this one wasnt good for me. Racecar Lightning Mcqueen (Owen Wilson) is a self centered racing star, and on his trip to California for a big race he is lost on Route 66 and accidentaly destroys the road of a ghost town called Radiator Springs. At first he hates it but after becoming best friends with a tow truck named Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) and falling in love with a Porsia named Sally (Bonnie Hunt), he soon falls in love with a townof cars he soon calks family. The plot felt tired and the setting felt too boring. The characters and jokes however were really good. I didnt love or hate Cars, more in the middle I think. -
Unknown H
When my daughter sees Lightening McQueen she says "mum". Even a two year old can see how much I LOVE this movie. The soundtrack is as stunning as the scenary and the names in it are big enough to give you a sense of familiarity that allows you to find comfort in the story… More
When my daughter sees Lightening McQueen she says "mum". Even a two year old can see how much I LOVE this movie. The soundtrack is as stunning as the scenary and the names in it are big enough to give you a sense of familiarity that allows you to find comfort in the story before its started. This movie genuinely makes me laugh very loud and has even pulled a tear or two on more sensitive days. Magnificent. -
Michael M
A dissapointing film by Pixar standards but it's a colourful film that doesn't turn out a failure. It's main problem is the story its trying to tell but the visuals and voice acting in it is still amazing as any pixar film. The sequel that follows isn't as… More
A dissapointing film by Pixar standards but it's a colourful film that doesn't turn out a failure. It's main problem is the story its trying to tell but the visuals and voice acting in it is still amazing as any pixar film. The sequel that follows isn't as promising -
Eric A
Because it's Pixar, the visuals are on point, but it's been really hard for me to fully like this movie. -
Alexander D
Another awful, boring Disney/Pixar filmâ"except, unlike THE INCREDIBLES, this one has no superheroes. -
KJ P
Looking back on this film, it may not be perfect, but it definitely shows off beautiful effects, loveable characters, a story that is worth taking a ride through once, and gorgeous landscapes. Cars is among the low rankings of Pixar films, but on it's own, it is a true dazzler.… More
Looking back on this film, it may not be perfect, but it definitely shows off beautiful effects, loveable characters, a story that is worth taking a ride through once, and gorgeous landscapes. Cars is among the low rankings of Pixar films, but on it's own, it is a true dazzler. The voice cast is brilliant, and for an animated movie about cars, it has cinematography that actually surprised me. It is missing all of the true heart felt moments that are in and around the other pixar films of it's time, but Cars is still a fantastic family adventure that I am willing to visit more than once. -
Kevin M
To be straight forward I really like this movie, I don't love though. It was my former least favorite Pixar movie, with Cars 2 taking it's place (what a shocker) and there many obvious reasons why. First of all, I always thought this was a movie to sell more toys, I mean, do… More
To be straight forward I really like this movie, I don't love though. It was my former least favorite Pixar movie, with Cars 2 taking it's place (what a shocker) and there many obvious reasons why. First of all, I always thought this was a movie to sell more toys, I mean, do you still see the commercials on tv, even after 5 years they're still selling Cars toys! Also, this world they created about cars being an Intelligent species doesn't seem really subtle. But it's mainly the story, to be honest, it's not very interesting anymore. Maybe it's cuz I've seen too many times, but i don't think so, I've only seen it full length about 5 times. It's just so average, it's just a simple person who has to face something he's not used to, you'd be surprised how many movies followed that formula. I still like it though, but it barely reached Pixars average potential (which is still pretty good). -
Lenny M
Don't forget about the little people, Ka-Chow! -
Drake T
Pixar's first failure. Neither engaging emotionally or visually. (Unless you like watching cars race, but even Tokyo Drift and Speed Racer excelled more in that aspect) Also, where was the humor? I could barely even muster a chuckle. It's kind of ironic how the… More
Pixar's first failure. Neither engaging emotionally or visually. (Unless you like watching cars race, but even Tokyo Drift and Speed Racer excelled more in that aspect) Also, where was the humor? I could barely even muster a chuckle. It's kind of ironic how the simpler-small-town-life-is-better-than-busy-soulless-city-life motif is continuously played here but by the end of the movie you thank god that they finally moved the last couple of acts out of that dreary unimaginative town of cardboard "simple folk" archetypes. It's impressive what Pixar was able to do with such a poor premise by turning the entire cast into automobiles but at the same time you can't help but feel they could've done hell of a lot more to incorporate our culture into their world to reel us in. Nope, instead we're stuck in that god forsaken Radiator Springs for 3/4 of the movie with nothing to look at. -
Conner R
I probably enjoy Cars a good deal more than I'd usually admit. There's something about it that's just really great. Maybe it has to do with the beautiful casting of Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen, a role that he fits into like he was born to do it. Also, the addition… More
I probably enjoy Cars a good deal more than I'd usually admit. There's something about it that's just really great. Maybe it has to do with the beautiful casting of Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen, a role that he fits into like he was born to do it. Also, the addition of Paul Newman giving his final performance as the noble champion, Hudson Hornet. I know a lot of people hate this movie or just refuse to even watch it, but I think it's a genuinely great. You can't ask for better animation and the ingenious premise of having an entire world of cars is so crazy that it just seems to work. It's easy to be thrown off by characters like a Larry the Cable Guy voiced Tater, but that's just an acceptable loss since you have to at least have one redneck car in a movie centering around the Piston Cup. It's easy to forget when you have a diabolical villain voiced by Michael Keaton and car versions of Cheech and Chong. This is an incredibly wacky movie, but you can't say that it's unoriginal and you certainly can't say that it isn't fun to watch. -
Justin Y
John Lasseter successfully reaches the checkered flag with <i>Cars</i>.<p>With a run time just under 2 hours, which include scenes during and after the closing credits, <i>Cars</i> has everything it needs to amuse from beginning to end. The biggest… More
John Lasseter successfully reaches the checkered flag with <i>Cars</i>.<p>With a run time just under 2 hours, which include scenes during and after the closing credits, <i>Cars</i> has everything it needs to amuse from beginning to end. The biggest compliment to the film are the characters. Why? The characters have character. That makes them likable, thus making the story that much more enjoyable. Heck, cars can carry a film.</p><p>The visual look of the cars are family friendly and they look adorable. That's not to say that there isn't a whole lot of effort put into the visuals because the detail is there. The shine of the car bodies is enchanting to the eyes.</p><p>The voice work is praiseworthy. Owen Wilson and Bonnie Hunt are a good one two punch, but Larry the Cable Guy deserves a lot of credit. He is a perfect match for his character, Mater, while also providing much of the comic relief.</p><p><i>Cars</i> may revolve around a race car, but it takes its time unfolding the story and it works out for the best. Highly recommended.</p> -
Dean !
A decent entry to the Pixar garage of films. This did feel aimed a lot more at a younger audience, where their other films have something for all ages. A good voice cast and shiny motors with some impressive animation again. I loved the "Cars" versions of Toy Story, Monsters… More
A decent entry to the Pixar garage of films. This did feel aimed a lot more at a younger audience, where their other films have something for all ages. A good voice cast and shiny motors with some impressive animation again. I loved the "Cars" versions of Toy Story, Monsters Inc at the end when the credits roll! -
Jameson W
The first Pixar film that is just good. I still really love the story and characters! -
Michael E
In my mind its by far the best of all the pixar movies, the plot, the characters, the animation (of course), the personalities, the music, the actor choices, and the comedy. The race scenes are great to watch and they really make you feel like your watching or at a nascar race. And… More
In my mind its by far the best of all the pixar movies, the plot, the characters, the animation (of course), the personalities, the music, the actor choices, and the comedy. The race scenes are great to watch and they really make you feel like your watching or at a nascar race. And the ending race is one of the few moments in a child film that got me really choked up. -
Bently L
Cars follows rookie racecar, Lightning McQueen as he encounters himself in the small and alienated town of Radiator Springs after causing an accident with the town's asphault roads. There he meets new friends and learns valuble life lessons. The story kind of feels "been… More
Cars follows rookie racecar, Lightning McQueen as he encounters himself in the small and alienated town of Radiator Springs after causing an accident with the town's asphault roads. There he meets new friends and learns valuble life lessons. The story kind of feels "been there, done that" and does not live up to Pixar's other work. But the film is able to cover up the "not-a-Pixar-classic" feel with great humor and jokes. The story is a 60% but the humor and animation boost this up 10% more. Our final rating is 70%. Cars is an enjoyable film for all. "Was that floating like a Cadillac or stinging like a Beemer? I'm confused." -
Kalel J
Childishly silly in its level of enjoyability, Cars is a film of formula and familiarity with obvious twists. While it may ultimately feel like more of a chore for an older audience, its brands of humour and characters are sure to please children - and with that, Pixar are onto a… More
Childishly silly in its level of enjoyability, Cars is a film of formula and familiarity with obvious twists. While it may ultimately feel like more of a chore for an older audience, its brands of humour and characters are sure to please children - and with that, Pixar are onto a winner. The studio's usual charm of rounded family entertainment may be absent, but Cars holds everything for an adrenaline charged youth outing. Its colours are dizzying, its pace swift, and its characters likeable and diverse. The world of Cars is borderline absurd, but this absurdity allows for a very easy-going level of fun. -
Jeremy S
Amazing Visuals, Clever Story= Vintage Pixar: I loved this film. Cars is definately a winner, Pixar has done it again. After A Bug's Life, Toy Story 1 and 2, The Incredibles, Monsters Inc and Finding Nemo, comes another Pixar great to add to the collection. Not as great as Toy… More
Amazing Visuals, Clever Story= Vintage Pixar: I loved this film. Cars is definately a winner, Pixar has done it again. After A Bug's Life, Toy Story 1 and 2, The Incredibles, Monsters Inc and Finding Nemo, comes another Pixar great to add to the collection. Not as great as Toy Story or Finding Nemo, but still vintage Pixar. On the outside an average looking film, on the inside a breakout success. With marvelously clever car characterization, astounding visuals and a truly great story about life in the slow lane, Pixar gold, worth the viewing. -
Film C
i enjoyed this animated movie, its a good disney pixar movie thats fun, entertaiing and funny to watch! i love animated movies and ive seen a lot and this is certainly an original fun and good animated movie to watch!
Cast
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Owen Wilsonas Lightning McQueen -
Paul Newmanas Doc Hudson -
Bonnie Huntas Sally Carrera
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Larry The Cable Guyas Mater -
Cheech Marinas Ramone -
Tony Shalhoubas Luigi
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Guido Quaronias Guido -
Jenifer Lewisas Flo -
Paul Dooleyas Sarge
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Michael Wallisas Sheriff -
George Carlinas Fillmore -
Katherine Helmondas Lizzie
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Michael Keatonas Chick Hicks -
Jeremy Pivenas Harv -
Bob Costasas Bob Cutlass
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Darell Waltripas Darrell Cartrip -
Richard Kindas Van -
Edie McClurgas Minny
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Humpy Wheeleras Tex -
Tom Magliozzias Rusty Rust-eze -
Ray Magliozzias Dusty Rust-eze
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Richard Pettyas The King -
Andrew Stantonas Fred -
Dale Earnhardt Jr.as Junior
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Michael Schumacheras Michael Schumacher Ferrari -
Jay Lenoas Jay Limo -
Mario Andrettias Mario Andretti
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Sarah Clarkas Kori Turbowitz -
Mike "No Name" Nelsonas Not Chuck -
Joe Ranftas Peterbilt
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Jonas Riveraas Boost -
Lou Romanoas Snotrod -
Adrian Ochoaas Wingo
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E.J. Holowickias DJ -
Elissa Knightas Tia -
Lindsey Collinsas Mia
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Larry Bentonas Motorhome Race Fan -
Douglas "Mater" Keeveras Motorhome Race Fan -
Tom Hanksas Woody Car
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Tim Allenas Buzz Lightyear Car -
Billy Crystalas Mike Car -
John Goodmanas Sullivan Truck
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Dave Foleyas Flik Car -
John Ratzenbergeras Abominable Snow Plow -
Jack Angel


