The Charlotte Observer reports that H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler and his Lowe’s Motor Speedway are negotiating to hold a May 26 screening of Pixar Animation Studios‘ movie, “Cars,” which takes place on Route 66. The screening would be two days before the track hosts the Coca-Cola 600. The movie officially opens wide on June 9.
If the track landed the premiere, it would transform the track into a big outdoor theater, similar to premieres held in New York’s Central Park, track spokesman Jerry Gappens said. (The event probably would be invitation-only.)
Gappens said Wheeler got involved through his connection with Pixar co-founder John Lasseter, director of “Cars,” both “Toy Story” movies and “A Bug’s Life.”
Lasseter apparently is a big racing fan and has been Wheeler’s guest at the track. Wheeler has an original drawing by Lasseter of Woody, cowboy hero of the “Toy Story” movies, in his office.
It’s also my understanding that there also are tentative plans in the works to hold early premieres of “Cars” in a few select cities on Route 66.