Up until my husband and I settled down to raise our family in rural Pennsylvania in 2002, I was a single city girl: Hawaii, Tokyo and New York City to be exact. NASCAR was not in my vocabulary, so most of my knowledge about racing was from TV and the movies. Recently, I attended a special event in San Francisco for the newest Disney/Pixar summer blockbuster: CARS 3. My initial culture shock to the heart-pounding engine blare against the wave-like paved raceway track, was immediately replaced with excitement and admiration for the adrenaline-filled world of racing and its fascinating place throughout our American History. Spending time at the official Sonoma Raceway, provided rare insight into the Pixar artistry behind Cars 3.
One of my favorites aspects of the movie Cars 3 includes the new characters and story-line that focus on the history of racing. Through storytelling and documentary-esque animation, Cars 3 takes us through the racing days of old, and gives us a new respect for the automobile world and technological advancement.
Lightning McQueen connects with racing’s roots in “Cars 3.” From left: River Scott, Junior “Midnight” Moon, Smokey and Louise “Barnstormer” Nash. Disney/Pixar
Our ‘History of NASCAR’ presentation with Jay Ward/Creative Director of CARS and Ray Evernham/Former Crew Chief for Hendrick Motorsports was filled with stories and background into how American stock car racing evolved from the 1920s. Originating during the Prohibition era, bootleggers needed to distribute their illegal whiskey, and usually drove small, fast vehicles to better evade the police. Most drivers modified their cars for speed and handling, as well as increased cargo capacity. Some of them ended up enjoying the thrill of fast-paced driving down twisty mountain roads.
I quickly discovered my inner speed demon, when we were whisked onto the Raceway for our own whirl around the track in an official Sonoma Raceway Pace Car!
My friends and I had a blast as we zoomed around the famous race track at around 95 miles per hour! I sat in the front, and was grinning from ear to ear, while our driver flew around his familiar beat. It was very exciting to step into a completely different life than what I am used to.
Next, we stopped off at a special on-site garage to participate in another unique experience.
It was time for our PIT STOP CHALLENGE. After our safety demonstration on the technique of changing a car tire, we grabbed a partner and raced each other for the fastest score. I got to pair up with one of my favorite bloggers: James the awesome Rock Father himself!
That enormous tire and bulky lug-nuts were quite difficult to manage! We fumbled around for a bit, but ultimately completed the challenge while friends cheered us on.
Now I feel more confident to help out with our family car, if we ever need to change a tire back home!
Our unforgettable day at the Sonoma Raceway ended with an interview and tour of the vintage race car preparation & restoration shop. Owner Tony Nicholson personally guided us around his Willy Wonka creative world of classic and modern automobiles.
I was very impressed to learn that:
- Tony is a true self-taught mechanic from across a few ‘ponds’. Although he has spend the last several decades here, listening to American/Aussie/Cockney meshed accent was highly entertaining as he described some of the vehicles that have come through his establishment.
- Tony runs his shop to provide maintenance and repair for modern and classic cars. Owners seem to opt for either the latest, cutting-edge technology and innovation for their vehicles, or maintain the traditional mechanisms for their beloved treasure. Therefore, Tony’s shop includes welding and all devices necessary to recreate original pieces to keep a car running happily.
All throughout our time at the track, professional and car-hobbyists appeared in various stages of practice around the raceway as well as basic maintenance.
This driver is completely encapsulated in his ‘clam-shell’ vehicle. It was fascinating to watch him and his crew perform their daily tasks.
I will never forget this Cars 3 event, and the complete immersion into the World of NASCAR at the Sonoma Raceway.
Thank you, Disney/Pixar for these once-in-a-lifetime moments that I will cherish and retell many times over. Click here to read about the Event Details: “Join us on a trip to San Francisco, with Disney/Pixar and ABC” that included: Exclusive tour of Pixar Animation Studios, Pixar Short ‘Lou‘, The Toy Box (ABC’s new delightful toy competition tv show), Born in China (Disneynature’s new animal documentary), Puppy Dog Pals (Disney Junior’s new series), and a wonderful online educational tool: Pixar in a Box.
Like/Follow CARS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube channel, and visit the official CARS 3 website.
CARS 3 opens in theaters everywhere on June 16th.
Leave a Reply