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\nRoute 66 News<\/a> follows the story of Author Michael Wallis<\/a> (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<\/span><\/a>, 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<\/a> in Stroud, Okla. <\/p>\n

They say…<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/span><\/a>, voiced by Bonnie Hunt. Thank-you notes to Welch from Pixar employees are framed on the wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wallis and the crew have shot footage of the following people:<\/p>\n

* Dean Walker of the Kansas Route 66 Association<\/a>, who provided at least some of the inspiration for Mater the tow truck<\/a> in “Cars.” One of Walker’s claims to fame is he is able to turn his feet completely backwards.
\n * The Rainbow Bridge<\/a> in Riverton, Kan.
\n * Scott Nelson at his Eisler Bros. Store<\/a> 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.
\n * The Round Barn<\/a> of Arcadia, Okla., along with its affable caretaker, Butch.<\/span>
\n
\nThe article<\/a> is a great read and is accompanied by some photos too!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"