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Today Disney·Pixar Cars fans teamed up with NASCAR driver Casey Mears to wave the green flag and kick off the Cars “Take Flight” experience during Chase weekend at Chicagoland Speedway, Sept. 14-16. In celebration of the world television premieres of the Cars Toons short films “Air Mater” and “Moon Mater” this fall on Disney Channel, and the launch of a new Cars “Take Flight” product collection, Disney has created a fun and immersive family experience for race fans to enjoy the world of Cars.
Through Cars-themed “pit stops” at Chicagoland Speedway Kids Zone in Champions Park, the world of Cars is brought to life. Fans can snap photos of the life-size LEGO® replica of Lightning McQueen made of 250,000 bricks, create Cars scenes at the puzzle building station, enjoy story time, race against friends on the Cars video game, see the new collectible die-cast cars and play with the products in the new “Take Flight” collection. The new Cars “Take Flight” product line features die-cast, race tracks, games, books and more and is available now at retailers nationwide.
“The Cars Toons shorts have done a great job extending the storytelling and fun that happens in the world of Cars,” said Mary Renner Beech, senior vice president of licensing, Disney·Pixar animation, Disney Consumer Products. “Likewise, Disney·Pixar product designers take the story where only a child’s imagination can go through new toys and products. And what better place for us to celebrate the new “Take Flight” collection than right here at the Chicagoland Speedway during an actual NASCAR race weekend.”
“A weekend at Chicagoland Speedway is about more than just the excitement on the track,” said Scott Paddock, Chicagoland Speedway president. “We want the entire family to enjoy memorable experiences throughout their trip, whether it’s in the Kids Zone taking pictures with the life-size Lightning McQueen, in Champions Park with free entertainment or in our new infield fan experience. Our goal is to deliver additional value to our fans and give the start of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup the platform it deserves.”
Since its release in 2006, Cars has remained Disney Consumer Products’ leading boys franchise. Several of NASCAR’s biggest stars voiced characters in the first two Cars films which have grossed over $1 billion in box office revenue, including Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip and Humpy Wheeler. New Cars Toons animated film shorts released through Disney Channel and Walt Disney Home Entertainment, continue to keep fans “revved up” about Cars. This weekend only, the public can view Cars Toons in the Kids Zone, located in Chicagoland Speedway’s Champions Park.
Chicagoland Speedway is the first race of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup this September — the first of ten ‘playoff’ style NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in pursuit of the 2012 championship. The Dollar General 300 powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series will kick off the weekend on Saturday, Sept. 15 with the GEICO 400 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup concluding the weekend on Sunday, Sept. 16.
For tickets to the GEICO® 400, the start of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, or the Dollar General® 300 powered by Coca-Cola®, visit www.ChicagolandSpeedway.com or call 1-888-629-RACE (7223).
