Disney·Pixar's “Cars 3” gears up for season-long ride with NASCAR

Above: Drivers Daniel Suarez, Bubba Wallace, "Cars" director Brian Fee, Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott.

Disney•Pixar's "Cars 3" is teaming up with NASCAR this year as crowd favorite Lightning McQueen prepares to return to the big screen June 16, 2017.

Drivers Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Daniel Suárez and Bubba Wallace will join NASCAR legends Jeff Gordon and Richard Petty, promoter Howard "Humpy" Wheeler, racer-turned-broadcasters Darrell Waltrip and Kyle Petty, crew chief and broadcaster Ray Evernham and broadcasters Shannon Spake and Mike Joy. as voices in the upcoming film. And Owen Wilson, the voice of Lightning McQueen, will serve as grand marshal for the 59th running of the Great American Race.

At Daytona, "Cars 3" director Brian Fee, Cristela Alonzo – the voice of the film's elite trainer Cruz Ramirez – and NASCAR vice president of entertainment marketing & content development Zane Stoddard spoke about the bond between the film and NASCAR racing.

"'Cars 3' very much pays homage to stock car racing and its rich history," said Fee. "Our story leans into the drama, emotion and excitement NASCAR fans find at every race."

"We're excited to take part in delivering the 'Cars 3' experience to our current and next generation of fans, at-track, in school, online and across the country," added Stoddard. "In addition to all the engaging NASCAR 'Cars 3' elements industry-wide, we think our fans will really enjoy the roles of several young drivers in the film."

According to Lylle Breier, senior vice president, worldwide marketing partnerships and special events for the Walt Disney Studios, the movie inspired an expanded program with NASCAR.

"This collaboration marks the biggest between the 'Cars' franchise and NASCAR," said Breier. "We're looking forward to a fun and exciting season-long program with a host of activities."

Season-long promotions include a "Cars 3" at-track presence and co-branded merchandise program with Fanatics, billed as the first of its kind for NASCAR and the "Cars" franchise featuring the first film-related product available for fans to purchase. Product will be available at the Fanatics Trackside Superstore continuing at racetracks throughout the season, as well as online at the NASCAR.com Superstore.