Route 66 News follows the story of Author Michael Wallis (left) and a camera crew from the Disney Channel when they where on Route 66 on Monday and Tuesday. They where after the real-life inspirations for the characters in Cars, which the folks from Pixar, 6 years ago, found while traveling ‘The Mother Road’. Specifically they report about how Wallis and Disney where taping at the historic Rock Cafe in Stroud, Okla.
They say…
I attended the Tuesday taping at the historic Rock Cafe in Stroud, Okla. About a half-dozen classic cars were parked in front of the restaurant to provide a colorful backdrop.
But the main reason the film crew was there was because Dawn Welch, proprietor of the Rock Cafe, is one of the inspirations for Sally the Porsche in Cars, voiced by Bonnie Hunt. Thank-you notes to Welch from Pixar employees are framed on the wall.
Wallis and the crew have shot footage of the following people:
* Dean Walker of the Kansas Route 66 Association, who provided at least some of the inspiration for Mater the tow truck in “Cars.” One of Walker’s claims to fame is he is able to turn his feet completely backwards.
* The Rainbow Bridge in Riverton, Kan.
* Scott Nelson at his Eisler Bros. Store in Riverton, Kan., who sang his usual rendition of “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66.” Wallis said “Cars” director John Lasseter is a fan of the store’s hand-made sandwiches.
* The Round Barn of Arcadia, Okla., along with its affable caretaker, Butch.
The article is a great read and is accompanied by some photos too!
