SONOMA, Calif. (May 17, 2017) - Disney•Pixar's "Cars 3" cruises into theatres this June, but gearheads and movie buffs alike can see the popular characters come to life at Sonoma Raceway during the Toyota/Save Mart 350, June 24-25.
Road to the Races, a nationwide tour inviting fans of #95 Lightning McQueen to gear up for the upcoming big-screen release, will conclude its 27-city tour at Sonoma Raceway during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series weekend. Life-sized versions of three of the movie's stars will roll into the track to celebrate the latest movie from Pixar Animation Studios, which opens June 16, 2017.
NASCAR fans can picture themselves with life-sized versions of the big-screen characters in the interactive "Cars 3" Road to the Races display, which will be located inside the main paddock on Saturday and Sunday of race weekend. Five-time Piston-Cup champion Lightning McQueen and tech-savvy trainer Cruz Ramirez will be on site Saturday and Sunday, while sleek next-gen racer Jackson Storm joins the party on Sunday only.
Tickets for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 start at just $35 on Saturday and $49 on Sunday; kids 12 and under are admitted free on Saturday and for just $10 on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at sonomaraceway.com/NASCAR or 800-870-7223.
To further celebrate the premiere of the racing feature, comedian and actress Cristela Alonzo, the voice of the film's elite trainer Cruz Ramirez, has been named Grand Marshal of the Toyota/Save Mart 350.
Alonzo will be honored on Friday, June 23, at the Children's Champions Grand Marshal Banquet at beautiful Cline Cellars in Sonoma. The gala is a fundraiser for the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities. She will also take part in pre-race activities on Sunday, June 25, and will participate in the official command of, "Drivers, Start Your Engines."
"I'm so grateful to be the Grand Marshal and be part of such a not only fun, but special event," said Alonzo, who is the first woman to be named NASCAR Grand Marshal in Sonoma.
Alonzo made TV history in 2014, becoming the first Latina to create, produce and star in a network TV sitcom, "Cristela." She released her first hour stand-up special "Lower Classy" on Netflix earlier this year. She has also released "Some of the Hits," her first stand-up CD through Comedy Central. Cristela is based in Los Angeles and, when not on tour, can be found performing at various comedy clubs throughout Southern California.
"We are delighted to work with Disney and Pixar to bring 'Cars 3' to life for our race fans during NASCAR weekend in Sonoma," said Steve Page, Sonoma Raceway President & General Manager. "'Cars' is such an iconic brand, and it's exciting that our fans can enjoy the movie and then see the real thing at our event."
For more information or to purchase a seat or table for the Grand Marshal's Banquet, contact Cheri Plattner at 707-933-3950 or [email protected]. Great ticket options are also available for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend in Sonoma. Visit www.sonomaraceway.com/nascar or call 800-870-7223 for details.
ABOUT Disney•Pixar's "Cars 3"
Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn't through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing's biggest stage! Directed by Brian Fee (storyboard artist "Cars," "Cars 2"), produced by Kevin Reher ("A Bug's Life," "La Luna" short), and co-produced by Andrea Warren ("LAVA" short) "Cars 3" cruises into theaters on June 16, 2017
