Tow Mater

Last updated

Tow Mater
Cars character
Mater (Cars).png
Mater as he appears in most Cars media
First appearance Cars (2006)
Created by John Lasseter
Joe Ranft
Jorgen Klubien
Voiced by Larry the Cable Guy (2006–present)
Adam Burton (Cars 3: Driven to Win)
FamilyMato (sister)
Cruz Ramirez (cousin-in-law)
In-universe information
Species Tow truck
GenderMale
Occupation
  • Owner of Tow Mater Towing & Salvage [1]
Significant other Holley Shiftwell
Home Radiator Springs

Tow Mater (also known as Mater) is a fictional anthropomorphic tow truck of the Pixar Cars franchise. His appearances include the feature films Cars , Cars 2 , and Cars 3, as well as in the TV series Cars Toons and Cars on the Road. Mater is also a playable character in each of the Cars video game installments. He is voiced by Larry the Cable Guy.

Contents

In Cars, Mater is the local tow truck who owns and operates his own towing and salvage yard in Radiator Springs and is the first vehicle in town to support Lightning McQueen. They quickly become best friends. In Cars 2, Mater heads overseas to act as Lightning's crew chief in the first ever World Grand Prix, but inadvertently becomes involved in international espionage after being mistaken as a spy. In Cars 3, Mater is a supporting character who stays behind in Radiator Springs, but gives advice to Lightning McQueen on how to defeat Jackson Storm later in the film.

Following his debut in Cars, Mater has taken on the role of secondary protagonist throughout the franchise and is generally seen as the series' breakout character, most apparent in his role as the main protagonist in Cars Toons: Mater's Tall Tales , Cars 2 , and Cars 3 .

Development

Concept and creation

Mater takes his name from construction superintendent and die-hard NASCAR fan Douglas "Mater" Keever, who was later invited by Pixar to provide the voice of one of the motorhome characters watching Lightning McQueen race at the beginning of the film. Cars director John Lasseter met him in 2001 while conducting research for the film at Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte. Upon meeting Lasseter, Keever introduced himself by the nickname he had been given in childhood: "My name's Mater[...]Yeah, like tuh-mater, but without the tuh." This line was eventually used by the character in the film. Keever explained that the nickname originated in him throwing tomatoes around his family's farm. Lasseter was immediately interested in him as he felt that he was a definitive NASCAR fan. Although the cheerful truck character was originally intended to be a flatbed, Lasseter realised that the concept was not working and came up with the idea of a tow truck instead, using Keever's nickname as a pun to create "Tow-Mater". [2]

The former Kan-O-Tex Service Station and the 1951 International Harvester tow truck that inspired the design for Mater 4 Women on the Route.jpg
The former Kan-O-Tex Service Station and the 1951 International Harvester tow truck that inspired the design for Mater

Mater's driving skills include a claim to be "the world's best backwards driver," an ability inspired by Dean Walker, a Kansas Historic Route 66 Association president known in Riverton as "Crazy Legs Walker, the Ambassador of Crazy Feet on Route 66" for his ability to twist his feet backward and walk in reverse. The Pixar production team met Walker during a nine day tour of Route 66 guided by historian Michael Wallis in 2001 and decided to include his ability in the film. Wallis was keen for the production team to incorporate aspects of the people that they met on the trip into the car characters to make them more human. He also said that Mater's character was inspired partly by "a troubadour in Erick, Okla., who wears a redneck tuxedo" named Harley Russell. According to Wallis, Mater's appearance was inspired by "a rusty old tow truck" that they came across in Galena, which he knew would end up in the film. [3] Wallis recalled the moment that inspired Mater's design: "There was an old wrecker in an empty lot by Route 66 in Galena, Kan., ... Joe Ranft, the studio's head of story and a key member of the Pixar team, stopped and noticed it, and Mater was born." [4] The inspiration for the character was a 1951 International Harvester tow truck that was used to pull equipment from the lead mines of Galena and, following the release of the film, was parked outside the former Kan-O-Tex Service Station as a tourist attraction. [5] Due to copyright reasons, Disney requested that the truck be renamed, so the owners decided to call it "Tow Tater". [6]

Voice

Tow Mater is voiced by American stand-up comedian Larry the Cable Guy. He said that he loved voicing the character because it was completely different to anything he had done previously. [7]

Appearances

Cars

Tow Mater is a jolly, outgoing tow truck who lives in Radiator Springs, a near ghost town on historic U.S. Route 66. He owns a salvage yard called "Tow Mater Towing & Salvage", but after the town was bypassed by the interstate, has not seen any real work in years. After meeting Lightning McQueen in the impound for destroying the town's main road, he tries to befriend him. After a few days of being mostly ignored, Mater manages to talk Lightning into joining him for his favorite hobby "tractor tipping", which results in the pair narrowly escaping Frank, a large red combine harvester. On the drive home, Mater shows Lightning his special move, the ability to drive backwards with extreme precision, dubbing himself the "world's best backwards driver". Lightning is amazed by this ability and slowly begins to open up to Mater about his fast-paced life as a Piston Cup racecar. After Lightning agrees to let him go on a helicopter ride if he wins the race, Mater declares that he made a good choice in choosing Lightning as his best friend. Mater is later disappointed when Doc Hudson forces Lightning out of Radiator Springs. He is excited when Doc is revealed to be a former champion and brings Mater and the other residents to help Lightning in the tie-breaker race. During the race, Mater serves on Lightning's pit crew. Afterwards, he rides in the Dinoco helicopter that Lightning promised him above Radiator Springs.

Cars 2

Mater replica on tour for Cars 2 Mater Cars 2 Sonoma 2011.jpg
Mater replica on tour for Cars 2

When Lightning McQueen returns from a long Piston Cup season, Mater spends all day with him until Lightning leaves to meet Sally Carrera at the Wheel Well in Tailfin Pass. Mater sneaks in and acts as their waiter, but gets distracted by the announcement of the World Grand Prix on the Mel Dorado Show. When Francesco Bernoulli claims that he is a better racer than Lightning and starts insulting them both, Lightning decides to become a competitor. He invites Mater to join him as his crew chief and they head to Tokyo for the inaugural race. At the pre-race party, Mater is mistaken for an American spy by British Agent Holley Shiftwell after Rod Redline, the real American agent, is caught and plants his intel device on Mater. Mater is mesmerized by her beauty and falls for her immediately. During the first race, he meets Finn McMissile, but costs Lightning the win in the process, resulting in him lashing out at Mater. Feeling rejected, Mater decides to return home, only to be drawn back into the spy mission by Finn.

Finn invites Mater to join them in meeting an informant in Paris. From there, the trio head out to Porto Corsa, Italy, where Mater receives his first task to infiltrate a secret meeting being held by the Lemons in order to find out who is the mastermind sabotaging the racecars in the World Grand Prix. Mater learns that the Lemons intentionally made the alternative fuel Allinol defective to drive more profit into their oil business. When Lightning chooses to continue using Allinol during the final race in London, the Lemons decide to kill him. Mater immediately blows his cover, resulting in him, Finn and Holley being tied up and waiting to be crushed by the large gears inside Big Bentley.

After escaping Big Bentley, Finn and Holley go after Professor Zündapp while Mater rushes to Lightning's pit stall in the midst of the race to warn everyone about a bomb. He learns that the bomb is actually inside his air filter. Lightning tries to apologize to Mater for his outburst in Toyko, leading to a high-speed chase between the two ending in a final confrontation with the Lemons. Mater quickly realizes that Miles Axlerod is the mastermind behind the plot and is granted an honorary knighthood by the Queen. After returning home, Finn tells Mater that he has approval from the Queen to take part in more spy missions and Mater declines, but competes in the unofficial Radiator Springs Grand Prix with Lightning.

Cars 3

Mater remains McQueen's best friend and supporter, going as far as wearing over-the-top novelty hats to encourage McQueen during his races. He is there with Sally to comfort McQueen after he crashes, and witnesses his decision to continue racing. Mater decides to stay with the other cars in Radiator Springs while McQueen heads to the Rust-eze Training Center to prepare for the Florida 500. Later, McQueen video calls Mater and they both have a heart-to-heart conversation. McQueen asks Mater for help after seeing that next generation racer Jackson Storm has set a new speed record. Mater helps McQueen remember Doc Hudson's mentor and crew chief Smokey and he decides to locate him and ask for his advice. During the Florida 500, Mater becomes aware of Sterling's selfish plans and buys McQueen some time by distracting Sterling, allowing McQueen to get Cruz Ramirez to replace him during the race. Mater later returns with everyone to Radiator Springs and is there when McQueen reveals that he would continue racing but first spend the rest of the season as Cruz's crew chief.

Mater and the Ghostlight

Mater and the Ghostlight takes place after the events of Cars and follows Mater's new hobby of pranking various residents of Radiator Springs at night. His final prank on Lightning McQueen is the most successful. Everyone starts laughing at McQueen, and Mater teases him by saying that he looked like he had seen the Ghostlight.

Sheriff admonishes Mater for "mocking the Ghostlight," an urban legend amongst the cars. The Ghostlight is described as a "glowing orb of blue, translucent light" that haunts Radiator Springs, and hates nothing more than the sound of clanking metal. He concludes with an overly cheerful "Well, g'night!" The population of Radiator Springs then leave within seconds, leaving a very nervous Mater by himself.

After Mater reaches his salvage yard, he is frightened by a "lightning bug" (a tiny flying Volkswagen Beetle with bright headlights). As he relaxes, a bright blue glow suddenly appears behind him and, thinking it is the Ghostlight, goes into a blind panic, racing around Radiator Springs until he is exhausted. The Ghostlight, however, turns out to be a glowing blue lantern placed on Mater's tow hook by McQueen and Guido as payback for the pranks Mater pulled on the other cars.

In a post-credits scene, Mater finds that he has a huge construction vehicle behind him, snarling and carrying the license plate "Banshee." Mater does not realize what is though and warns it of the Screaming Banshee before driving off, bidding the confused vehicle a good night.

Cars Toons: Mater's Tall Tales

In Cars Toon: Mater's Tall Tales, Mater returns as the main character with Larry the Cable Guy reprising his role. Each tale begins with Mater telling a far-fetched story of his past. In the story, Mater finds himself in an inescapable predicament. When McQueen questions Mater over whether the events in the story actually occurred, Mater responds, "Don't you remember? You was there too!", and continues the story including McQueen's sudden participation. The short series end with Mater leaving the conversation, often followed by characters or references to the story that was being told, putting up a possibility that the story might have been real.

Cars on the Road

After the events of Cars 3 , Mater reveals that he has an older sister living at his childhood house in the eastern United States, much to the awe of Lightning McQueen and the other residents of Radiator Springs. He spontaneously announces his decision to drive across the country to attend her wedding, but laments that he has not seen her in ages and is not looking forward to the trip. To make Mater feel better, Lightning offers to go with him and make it a road trip; Mater happily agrees. During the trip, Lightning and Mater make stops at various events and landmarks across the country, including a dino-park, a haunted hotel, and a movie production. Mater is often more open to meeting new cars and trying new experiences than Lightning, which often tends to lead to something unexpected and uncomfortable for him.

When Mater and Lightning finally arrive at Mater's childhood house, Lightning is immediately shocked at the enormous size of the house and the obvious wealthy upbringing of Mater. Lightning and Mater soon discover that Cruz Ramirez is also at the wedding; her cousin, Mateo, is the groom, meaning Mater and Ramirez will become family. When Mater and his sister, revealed to be named Mato, finally see each other, their appearances and personalities sharply contrast from one another. Mato prods Mater on and reveals their competitive rivalry over who is better. They initiate several competitions with one another, delaying the wedding. With help from Cruz, Mater and Mato are able to work out their differences, and the wedding proceeds. At the dinner, Mater gives an inspirational toast. This prompts Lightning to think about the time he and Mater spent together during the road trip, and that taking the road back with Mater would be a better decision than to take an airplane home. The series ends with Mater and Lightning beginning the drive back to Radiator Springs.

Video games

Mater with other Disney/Pixar characters advertising Disney Infinity E3 2013 Disney Infinity posters (9031713154).jpg
Mater with other Disney/Pixar characters advertising Disney Infinity

Mater appears in all Cars video games with Larry the Cable Guy reprising his role in all games to date (with the exception of Cars 3: Driven to Win ). In Cars , Mater is a playable character in Arcade Mode, "Tractor Tipping", and "Rustbucket Race-O-Rama" levels. He does commentary for the "Radiator Springs Grand Prix" and the "Radiator Springs GP". He teaches McQueen how to drive backwards in "Mater's Backwards Lesson". Mater is also a playable character in both the Story and Arcade Mode of Cars Mater-National Championship . Cars Race-O-Rama introduces three new rivals to Mater: Bubba, Tater and Tater Jr., all of them tow trucks, who challenge Mater to a race for the towing rights to Radiator Springs. Mater also makes an appearance as a playable character in Cars 2: the Video Game as well as Disney Infinity, Disney Infinity 2.0, and Disney Infinity 3.0 as a playable character and a figure.

Reception

Steve Daly of Entertainment Weekly described Mater as the breakout star of Cars, commenting that "he steals every scene he's part of". [2] Michael Agger of Slate commented that although Mater comes across as a Southern stereotype, he is presented in a positive light. He praised Mater's drawl as a "lovely instrument, overflowing with character" and the sweetness of his friendship with Lightning McQueen. [10] Empire 's Olly Richards singled him out as the only character that the audience was likely to remember at the film's credits, describing the other characters as not particularly funny. [11] Phil Patton of The New York Times described Mater as the "most lovable character" in the film. [12]

Mater's prominent role in the plot of Cars 2 received an unfavourable review from A. O. Scott of The New York Times , who described him as Pixar's "redneck Jar-Jar Binks" and considered it a "calamitous" move. He disliked his "exaggerated drawl" and thought that Mater is "dumb, excitable and puppy-dog loyal, his idiot-savant automotive expertise grounded in humble, blue-collar simplicity". [13] Aly Semigran writing for Entertainment Weekly reflected on this and also questioned why he had been given top billing in the film despite being the "second banana" to Lightning McQueen, but felt that he would not ultimately be detrimental to the franchise. [14] A. A. Dowd of The A.V. Club wrote that placing Mater in the film's leading role was "the biggest sin" of Cars 2. He likened Mater's espionage storyline to The Man Who Knew Too Little , with Bill Murray as Mater, and described him as a "fairly one-note character, built mostly for comic relief". [15] Polygon writer Julia Alexander opined that with the release of Cars 3, Pixar attempted to ignore the events of Cars 2, making no reference to Mater's heroism and honorary knighthood in the second film due to its poor reception and instead focused the third film squarely on Lightning McQueen. [16]

Related Research Articles

<i>Cars</i> (film) 2006 Pixar film

Cars is a 2006 American animated sports comedy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. The film was directed by John Lasseter, co-directed by Joe Ranft, produced by Darla K. Anderson, written by Lasseter, Ranft, Dan Fogelman, Kiel Murray, Phil Lorin, and Jorgen Klubien based on a story by Lasseter, Ranft, and Klubien, and stars an ensemble voice cast of Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt, Larry the Cable Guy, Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin, Michael Wallis, George Carlin, Paul Dooley, Jenifer Lewis, Guido Quaroni, Michael Keaton, Katherine Helmond, John Ratzenberger and Richard Petty, while race car drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mario Andretti, Michael Schumacher and car enthusiast Jay Leno voice themselves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Lasseter</span> American filmmaker (born 1957)

John Alan Lasseter is an American film director, producer, and animator. He has served as the Head of Animation at Skydance Animation since 2019. Previously, he acted as the chief creative officer of Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Disneytoon Studios, as well as the Principal Creative Advisor for Walt Disney Imagineering.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Riverton, Kansas</span> Unincorporated community in Cherokee County, Kansas

Riverton is an unincorporated community in Cherokee County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the community and nearby areas was 771. It is located at the junction of K-66 and U.S. Route 69 Alternate and U.S. Route 400, near the Spring River. It is one of only three communities in Kansas along former U.S. Route 66.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Ranft</span> American screenwriter (1960–2005)

Joseph Henry Ranft was an American animator, screenwriter, and voice actor. He worked for Pixar Animation Studios and Disney at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Television Animation. His younger brother Jerome Ranft is a sculptor who also worked on several Pixar films.

<i>Cars</i> (video game) 2006 video game

Cars is a 2006 adventure racing game published by THQ. The game is based on the 2006 film of the same name. It was released for the PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, Microsoft Windows, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and PlayStation Portable in June 2006, with versions for the Xbox 360 and Wii released later that year. The Wii version includes functionality geared towards its Wii Remote controller and was a launch game for the system. Taking place after the events of the film, the game follows Lightning McQueen as he participates in the new racing season with his goal set on finally winning the Piston Cup. While doing so, he races and trains with the local community of Radiator Springs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lightning McQueen</span> Fictional character from Cars franchise

Lightning McQueen is a fictional anthropomorphic stock car and the protagonist of the Disney/Pixar Cars franchise. He was developed by John Lasseter and co-director Joe Ranft from a story concept by Jorgen Klubien. McQueen's appearances include the feature films Cars, Cars 2, and Cars 3, as well as the animated series Cars Toons and Cars on the Road. He is also a playable character in each of the Cars video game installments. Lightning is recognizable by his red body with yellow and orange lightning bolt stickers featuring his racing number on his sides. He is primarily voiced by Owen Wilson.

<i>Mater and the Ghostlight</i> 2006 American film

Mater and the Ghostlight is a 2006 American animated short film released as a special feature on the DVD of Pixar's film Cars, which was released in the United States on November 7, 2006. The short, set in the Cars world, tells a story of Mater being haunted by a mysterious blue light.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Wallis</span> American writer

Michael Wallis is an American journalist, popular historian, author and speaker. He has written seventeen books, including Route 66: The Mother Road, about the historic highway U.S. Route 66. His work has also been published extensively in magazines and newspapers, including Time, Life, People, Smithsonian, The New Yorker, and The New York Times. Wallis is also the voice of Sheriff in the Disney/Pixar franchise Cars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radiator Springs Racers</span> Simulated slot car type dark ride attraction

Radiator Springs Racers is a slot car ride in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. The attraction features a third-generation version of transport technology originally developed for the Test Track attraction at Epcot in Walt Disney World. Radiator Springs Racers is themed to the fictional world in Disney Pixar's Cars. At a cost of over $200 million, the attraction is the most expensive at Disneyland Resort and one of the most expensive theme park attractions in the world. It accounted for about 18% of the entire cost of the $1.1 billion expansion of Disney California Adventure Park. The attraction takes guests in a six-person vehicle through encounters with characters from the film series Cars. Guests then race another vehicle through turns and hills, ending with a randomized race result.

<i>Cars</i> Land Themed land at Disney California Adventure

Cars Land is a themed area of Disney California Adventure, inspired by the Disney·Pixar franchise, Cars, and Route 66 in America. The 12-acre (4.9 ha) area, built as part of Disney California Adventure Park's $1.1 billion expansion project, opened on June 13, 2012, a year after the release of Cars 2. It contains three rides as well as shops and restaurants, all situated in a replica of Radiator Springs, the fictional town in which most of the first film's events take place. The area's main attraction is Radiator Springs Racers, a racing ride that uses the technology of Epcot's Test Track.

<i>Cars 2</i> 2011 American computer-animated film

Cars 2 is a 2011 American animated spy comedy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. It is the sequel to Cars (2006), the second film in the Cars franchise, and the 12th animated film from the studio. The film was directed by John Lasseter, co-directed by Brad Lewis, produced by Denise Ream, and written by Ben Queen, Lasseter, Lewis, and Dan Fogelman. In the film's ensemble voice cast, Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Tony Shalhoub, Guido Quaroni, Bonnie Hunt, and John Ratzenberger reprise their roles from the first film. George Carlin, who previously voiced Fillmore, died in 2008, and his role was passed to Lloyd Sherr. They are joined by newcomers Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, John Turturro, Eddie Izzard, and Thomas Kretschmann. In the film, Lightning McQueen and Mater head overseas to compete in the World Grand Prix which promotes a new alternative fuel called Allinol, but Mater accidentally becomes involved in international espionage that could determine both his and Lightning's fate.

<i>Cars Toons</i> American animated short series

Cars Toons is an American animated short series based on the Cars franchise. It features Lightning McQueen, Mater, and their friends in comedic antics and adventures canonical to the films. Larry the Cable Guy reprises his role as Mater while Keith Ferguson replaces Owen Wilson as the voice of Lightning McQueen until "The Radiator Springs 500 ½", when Wilson reprises his role.

<i>Cars</i> (franchise) Disney media franchise

Cars is an animated film series and Disney media franchise set in a world populated by anthropomorphic vehicles created by John Lasseter, Joe Ranft and Jorgen Klubien. The franchise began with the 2006 film, Cars, produced by Pixar and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The film was followed by Cars 2 in 2011. A third film, Cars 3, was released in 2017. The now-defunct Disneytoon Studios produced the two spin-off films Planes (2013) and Planes: Fire & Rescue (2014).

<i>Cars 3</i> 2017 American computer-animated film

Cars 3 is a 2017 American animated sports comedy-adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. The sequel to Cars 2 (2011) and the third installment of the Cars franchise, the film was directed by Brian Fee and produced by Kevin Reher, from a screenplay written by Kiel Murray, Bob Peterson, and Mike Rich, and a story by Fee, Ben Queen, and the writing team of Eyal Podell and Jonathan E. Stewart. John Lasseter, who directed the first two Cars films, served as executive producer. The returning voices of Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Bonnie Hunt, Tony Shalhoub, Guido Quaroni, Cheech Marin, Jenifer Lewis, Paul Dooley, Lloyd Sherr, Michael Wallis, Katherine Helmond and John Ratzenberger are joined by Cristela Alonzo, Chris Cooper, Armie Hammer, Nathan Fillion, Kerry Washington, and Lea DeLaria, in addition to a dozen NASCAR personalities. In the film, Lightning McQueen (Wilson), now a veteran racecar, must prove that he is still competitive against a new generation of technologically advanced racers, with the help of young technician Cruz Ramirez (Alonzo), to prevent a forced retirement from the Piston Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy</span> Show attraction in Sunset Boulevard at Disneys Hollywood Studios

Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy is a show attraction based on the Cars franchise in Sunset Boulevard at Disney's Hollywood Studios, which opened on March 31, 2019, as part of the park's 30th anniversary celebration. The show takes place after the events of Cars 3.

Lego <i>Cars</i> Lego theme

Lego Cars is a Lego theme based on the Disney·Pixar's Cars film franchise created by John Lasseter, Joe Ranft and Jorgen Klubien. It was licensed from The Walt Disney Company and Pixar. The theme was first introduced in 2010 for Duplo Cars sub-theme based on the Cars film was released as part of the Duplo theme. In 2011, Lego Cars 2 sub-theme based on the Cars 2 film was released as part of the Lego System and Duplo theme. In 2017, Lego Juniors Cars 3 sub-theme based on the Cars 3 film was released as part of the Lego Juniors and Duplo theme.

<i>Cars on the Road</i> American animated television series

Cars on the Road is an American animated series of shorts produced by Pixar Animation Studios for the Disney+ streaming service and based on the Cars franchise. The main cast includes Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen and Larry the Cable Guy as Mater. The series is written by Steve Purcell and produced by Marc Sondheimer. Set after the events of Cars 3 (2017), Cars on the Road follows Lightning (Wilson) and Mater as they embark on a road trip to attend the wedding of Mater's sister, while visiting various locations and characters along the way.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sally Carrera</span> Fictional character from Cars (film)

Sally Carrera is a fictional anthropomorphic Porsche 996 Carrera and a major character of the Disney/Pixar Cars franchise. She is a town attorney for Radiator Springs, having relocated there from California where she was a successful lawyer. She is voiced by Bonnie Hunt.

References

  1. ↑ Disney Pixar's The World of Cars: Meet the Cars. Disney Press. 2008. p. 10. ISBN   978-142311925-8. Mater runs Tow Mater Towing and Salvage ...
  2. 1 2 Daly, Steve (June 19, 2006). "Cars: The man who inspired Mater". EW.com. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  3. ↑ Meeker, Scott (June 10, 2006). "Riverton man inspired 'Cars' character". The Joplin Globe. Archived from the original on February 29, 2020.
  4. ↑ Patton, Phil (May 21, 2006). "Pixar's 'Cars' Got Its Kicks on Route 66". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331. Archived from the original on November 20, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  5. ↑ Evans, Andrew (April 30, 2014). "Route 66: Meeting Mater". National Geographic. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  6. ↑ Shelton, Missy (June 25, 2011). "'Cars' Fans Get Their Rusty Kicks On Route 66". NPR.
  7. ↑ Hermanns, Grant (September 7, 2022). "Why Larry the Cable Guy Is Proud Of Cars Franchise's Success". ScreenRant. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  8. ↑ "A-List Auto Shop". Popular Mechanics . October 1, 2009.
  9. ↑ "Meet Utah's real-life 'Mater'". KSL-TV. June 30, 2011. Retrieved August 18, 2012.
  10. ↑ Agger, Michael (June 9, 2006). "Sunday Drive". Slate. ISSN   1091-2339 . Retrieved May 19, 2024.
  11. ↑ Richards, Olly (June 30, 2006). "Cars". Empire. Retrieved May 19, 2024.
  12. ↑ Patton, Phil (May 21, 2006). "Pixar's 'Cars' Got Its Kicks on Route 66". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved May 19, 2024.
  13. ↑ Scott, A. O. (June 23, 2011). "Sidekick Tries to Tow a Sequel". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331. Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  14. ↑ Semigran, Aly (June 27, 2011). "'Cars 2' Mater Jar Jar Binks". EW.com. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  15. ↑ Dowd, A.A. (June 9, 2020). "Pixar's hot streak halted with a vehicle for Larry The Cable Guy". The A.V. Club. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  16. ↑ Alexander, Julia (June 16, 2017). "Cars 2 was so bad that even Pixar is trying to pretend it doesn't exist". Polygon. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.