Disney animated feature “Cars” to feature voice of Paul Newman

Burbank, California – “Cars”, a new film from Disney’s Pixar Animation Studios, will feature the voice of film legend Paul Newman. The adventure comedy will feature a wide assortment of cars as characters who get their kicks on Route 66. In addition to Paul Newman, the voice cast includes NASCAR legend Richard Petty, as well as Owen Wilson (“Shanghai Knights,” “The Royal Tenenbaums”), Bonnie Hunt (“Monsters, Inc.”), and Dan Whitney (Bravo’s “Larry the Cable Guy”). “Cars” is being produced by Darla K. Anderson (“A Bug’s Life,” “Monsters, Inc.”), and is due to be released holiday, 2005.

In conjunction with this new role, Newman will take the wheel of the Disney/Pixar sponsored racecar on January 31st and February 1st at “The Rolex 24 At Daytona” race in an attempt to break his own record. Newman holds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest driver to win a professionally sanctioned race in 1995 at Daytona. Racing on a team with NASCAR champ Kyle Petty, Michael Brockman, and Gunnar Jeannette, Newman is hoping to establish a new record at the age of 79. The car he will be driving is a Fabcar-Porsche Daytona Prototype.

Commenting on the announcement, Newman said, “It’s great to have another shot at Daytona and to be teamed up with some of the best drivers in the world. We’ve got a competitive car, thanks to Disney and Pixar, and we’re ready for the challenge. I’m also looking forward to having some fun playing a car for John Lasseter in the film ‘Cars.'”