In August of 2025, Disney announced a very exciting new Disney Jr. series, Cars: Lightning Racers, based on the Cars universe. Variety has now highlighted a new look at the project and confirmed a few returning vocal actors.
We cannot wait to watch the entire Cars crew when the show premieres on Disney Jr. (followed by Disney+) in 2027. But we have to say, we don’t enjoy the fact that the show is set to launch on Disney Jr. before Disney+.
Additionally, as collectors of the diecast Cars toy series, we can’t help but see the diecast mini-racer designs in the characters – and we love it! We could absolutely see a tie-in with this line of characters.
Read the synopsis for the show, as well as review the list of vocal actors returning to work on the show below. So many original actors are back!
CARS: LIGHTNING RACERS – SYNOPSIS
Building on Disney and Pixar’s beloved Cars franchise, Cars: Lightning Racers follows Lightning McQueen as he gears up for all-new adventures in Radiator Springs alongside his hilarious best friend Mater and new friends — thrill-seeking drag car Pipes and mud-loving monster truck Miles.
VOCAL CAST
RETURNING CHARACTERS / VOCAL ACTORS
- Lightning McQueen – Owen Wilson
- Mater – Larry the Cable Guy
- Sally – Bonnie Hunt (Newly Confirmed)
- Flo – Jennifer Lewis (Newly Confirmed)
- Ramone – Cheech Marin
- Fillmore – Lloyd Sherr (Newly Confirmed)
- Sarge – Paul Dooley (Newly Confirmed)
- Luigi – Tony Shalhoub
- Guido – Guido Quaroni (Newly Confirmed)
- Sheriff – Michael Wallis
- Mack – John Ratzenberger
- Chick Hicks – Bob Peterson
NEW CHARACTERS / VOCAL ACTORS
- Pipes – Leah Lewis (New character, previously announced)
- Miles – Yuri Lowenthal (New character, previously announced)
- Ms. Blinker – Sheryl Lee Ralph (New character, previously announced
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
So, who are the folks working on the project? We’re happy to report that Pixar is working in tandem with Disney Television Animation to create Cars: Lightning Racers. Although this is a branded Disney project first, Pixar is assisting and providing insight.
- Executive Producer / Showrunner – Travis Braun
- Executive Producer – Frank Montagna
- Story Editor – Dana Starfield
- Supervising Director – Nathan Chew
MORE UPDATES
It was also noted that some of the team will be at the Work in Progress Series presentation during the Annecy Festival in France (June 21-27) – more specifics to come.