Fans of Lightning McQueen and the rest of the Radiator Springs gang can check out an all-new short format adventure featuring the vehicular heros of Cars, available today exclusively on the Disney Movies Anywhere app and website in the “Discover” section. The Radiator Springs 500 ½ is the first installment of a new Tales from Radiator Springs series from Disney-Pixar.
The six-minute sortie begins when a “leisurely drive” in honor of Radiator Springs founder Stanley turns precarious as Baja pros descend on the town and challenge Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) to an off-road race. Meanwhile, the townsfolk — lead by Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) dressed as Stanley — enjoy the planned drive to retrace Stanley’s original frontier route. Thinking they’re on the same course, a wrong turn sends Lightning and the Baja pros on a treacherous bid for survival. The misunderstanding leaves the racers in awe of the “legend” of Standley: The Original Off-Road Racer.
Directed by Rob Gibbs with co-director Scott Morse, who previously collaborated on Mater’s Tall Tales, the short also stars Bonnie Hunt as Sally, Cheech Marin as Ramone, Steve Purcell, John Cygan and Jess Harnell. Mary Alice Drumm (Brave) served as producer.