Since Paul Newman’s death in 2008, speculation has run rampant on whether Disney-Pixar will revive his Doc Hudson character for the “Cars” sequel.
Larry the Cable Guy, who portrayed Mater in the original “Cars,” told the Whig Standard of Kingston, Ontario, that the Doc Hudson character has been essentially retired:
“It’s a shame he’s still not around,” says Larry The Cable Guy, who’s been reprising the voice of the Southern-fried tow truck Tow Mater in “Cars 2” since last summer. “They were thinking about getting a voice to sound like him. But then they decided it would be disrespectful, and I agree. You can’t impersonate one of the greats.
“They’ll have some storyline to where he’s moved on or something, and maybe they’re going to do some kind of tribute or something at the end. I’d like to tell you more, but I’m sworn to secrecy.”
“Cars 2” will be released in summer 2011. There was no word what also will happen to the Fillmore character, who was voiced by George Carlin, who also died in 2008. The unofficial inspiration of Fillmore, Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire, died a few weeks ago.
(Hat tip: Upcoming Pixar)
— Here’s an excellent interview by the Seattle Times of Jane and Michael Stern, of the famed Roadfood books and Web site. The Sterns mentioned Route 66 as a favorite of their culinary travels: “Route 66 has great roadfood that’s inexpensive and fun — places like the famous Cozy Dog in Springfield, Illinois, or the onion-fried burgers at Johnnie’s Grill in El Reno, Oklahoma.”
— The latest print edition of the Guadalupe County Communicator in Santa Rosa, N.M., reported that longtime Route 66 booster James “Bozo” Cordova was running for mayor. However, an online story by the Communicator reported that Cordova had withdrawn from the race less than two days after filing paperwork for his candidacy. He said he had “too much on my plate right now” to be mayor. Cordova owns Bozo’s Garage & Wrecker Services and the Route 66 Auto Museum in town.
— Jim Weiel, who has Tweeted his automotive-based photographic illustrations dozens of times on Twitter, has created a Web site in which you can view and buy his artwork. It’s called The Weiel Perspective, and roadies will likely be interested in his Americana gallery in addition to the Tribute 66 gallery.
— Organizers are getting ready for the second annual Race to the Rocker 4-mile footrace on Route 66 in Cuba, Mo., on March 27. It begins in Cuba, Mo., and finishes at the World’s Largest Rocker at the Fanning 66 Outpost. Proceeds will be used to buy equipment for the Cuba School Track. Organizers are hoping for 300 entrants. Go here to register for the race. For more information, go to the JOG Inc. site.
— Flash News posted a story about Ron “Tattoo Man” Jones of Bartlesville, Okla., who sports more than 80 tattoos of Route 66 landmarks. Photos of Jones and his tattoos can be found at Legends of America.