Michael Howe was assigned by Jim Hill Media to attend the premiere of the "Cars" movie at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. Here is Howe's extensive report, along with plenty of photos.
Howe also interviewed many of the film's stars on the red carpet of the event, including this excerpt of a Q&A with Michael Wallis, a Route 66 consultant of the film and the voice of the Sheriff in "Cars."
Q: We've just got a little question, because we took a little road trip from Chicago this morning, and were wondering if you've ever heard of "The Chicken Basket?" (EDITOR'S NOTE: "The Chicken Basket" is one of the restaurants near the start of Route 66. Which starts in Chicago, IL)
A: Oh yes. Up in Willowbrook. I know it very well. I've devoured lots of chicken there. The Road is so great in the state of Illinois today. Out of all the states, I always point out that Illinois is leading the 8 Route 66 states in terms of restoration and preservation. Great signage, wonderful ride, yeah.
Q: You play the Sheriff in Radiator Springs. Was that John's (Lasseter's) idea, or did you kind of come up with the idea?
A: I was his consultant. And then I wrote the book about the making of the movie, "The Art of Cars," with my wife. But he said: "you've got to be a character voice in this film. We've got to capture you on film. And don't you think you'd make a great Sheriff?" And I said: "Sure, why not? What's the car?" "1949 Mercury." "Um, it's a done deal." Because it's one of my favorite cars. It's the same kind of car that James Dean had in "Rebel Without a Cause," you know? It's just a Classic. And people tell me that grille on that car looks a little bit like my moustache. Which just a few years ago was pitch black and suddenly it's turned chrome-colored. So I don't know.
Q: You have a very distinctive voice.
A: Yes, and wait til' you see my interaction with Mater. I think you'll get a kick out of that. Mater is one of my favorite characters, and he drives my "Cars" character crazy.
Q: I didn't know that.
A: Oh yes. He's sort of my little nemesis. I'm always after him. But these people that are represented in these cars are actual people from Route 66. And a lot of them are here tonight: Cooks, waitresses, people that I exposed Pixar to. And they took the personailty of these people and it comes out in these cars. That's why this film is so good. That's why it's accurate and true.