Route 66 points to The Charlotte Observer, which notices the inspiration behind the character Mater in Disney/Pixar’s Cars. That inspiration came from Doug “Mater” Keever of Sherrills Ford, North Carolina, who has a small speaking part in the film. Regarding his involvement in Cars, Keever stated, “It’s an overwhelming experience for a feller who’s been riding around on a tractor and in construction all his life.”

Speaking of Mater, a new Cars promotional picture has been set up at Coming Soon.