The 2006 Disney film “Cars” introduced a new generation of fans to motorsports. The movie’s charm was evident from its opening scene, as audiences were introduced to Lightning McQueen and the Piston Cup.
“Cars” is one of the most beloved animated films ever, but the entire franchise is packed with racing lore and history. Several NASCAR drivers, including Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney, have made cameo appearances.
One NASCAR legend who played a role in two of the “Cars” movies has passed away this week, and the racing world is in mourning.
Which NASCAR Legend Passed Away?
H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, who once owned worked as president and general manager of the Charlotte Motor Speedway, has died at the age of 86, according to TMZ.
Wheeler ‘s family says he died of natural causes, and was surrounded by loved ones when he took his final breath.
“During his decades leading Charlotte Motor Speedway, Humpy transformed the fan experience through his creativity, bold ideas and tireless passion,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France said.
“His efforts helped expand NASCAR’s national footprint, cement Charlotte as a must-visit racing and entertainment complex.”
Wheeler held the top role at Charlotte for over three decades, but a younger generation will know him for his voice work.
The longtime speedway owner and racing promoter played Tex Dinoco in “Cars” and “Cars 3” – a 1975 Cadillac Coupe de Ville with longhorns on its front grille.
Wheeler received several prestigious honors and awards during his career, including inductions into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2009. This year, it was announced that he would be the next recipient of the NASCAR Landmark Award, which honors those who make “significant contributions to the growth and esteem of NASCAR.”
What Other Racing Legends Appear in ‘Cars?’
The “Cars” franchise is known for including racing royalty in its ensemble cast of voice actors. Some of the most notable names to appear alongside Lightning McQueen include Chase Elliott, Daniel Suarez and Kyle Petty. Darrell Waltrip reprises his real life role as a commentator on Piston Cup races, and NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon also shows up in the third film.
The character of Strip Weathers is based on and voiced by NASCAR royalty Richard Petty, and noted race car enthusiast Paul Newman voiced Doc Hudson in the first film.
A few Formula One stars appear in international versions of Cars 3 as well.
Seven-time champ Lewis Hamilton shows up as a voice assistant for Cruz Ramirez’s car in the English dub, and in other versions of the film the voice assistant is played by fellow world champions Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso. Alonso voices the character in Spanish, while Vettel does the same in both Italian and German.
Rest in peace to “Humpy” Wheeler, and we send condolences to his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.
