Two characters from the upcoming Disney/Pixar movie Cars will be touring the country, courtesy of the State Farm insurance company.

Life-sized models of hotshot rookie racecar Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) and Sally Carrera, a snazzy 2002 Porsche 911 (voiced by Bonnie Hunt) will hit the road today for Disney/Pixar's "CARS Road Trip '06" presented by State Farm. The film's sheet metal counterparts were created by famed movie car creator and customizer Eddie Paul of Customs By Eddie Paul, with help from Porsche and Pixar Animation Studios' artists and technicians. Paul is responsible for famous Hollywood car creations such as the hot rod that John Travolta drove in "Grease" as well as custom built vehicles for "The Fast and the Furious" and "xXx." The tour will cross the country with stops in over 40 cities and be highlighted by an appearance at the World Premiere for Disney/Pixar's "CARS" on May 26 in Charlotte, NC at the Lowe's Motor Speedway. The cars will ride in style via a special truck inspired by the character Mack, which will be provided by Mack Trucks, Inc.

(The full text of the press release can be read by clicking on the "Read" link below) "CARS Road Trip '06" travel cities will include:

    April 17             Akron, OH
    April 18             Washington DC
    April 19             Baltimore, MD
    April 20             Philadelphia, PA
    April 21             Allentown, PA
    April 22             Hartford, CT
    April 23             Boston, MA
    April 24             Toronto, CN
    April 26             Detroit, MI
    April 27             Chicago, IL
    April 28-29          Minneapolis, MN
    May 1                Denver, CO
    May 2                Salt Lake City, UT
    May 4                DuPont, WA
    May 5                Seattle, WA
    May 6                Portland, OR
    May 7                San Francisco, CA
    May 8                Bakersfield, CA
    May 10-12            Los Angeles, CA
    May 15               Houston, TX
    May 17-18            Atlanta, GA
    May 20-21            Orlando, FL
    May 22-23            Jacksonville, FL
    May 24-28            Charlotte, NC -- World Premiere/NASCAR Coca Cola 600
    May 30               Charlottesville, VA
    May 31               Parsippany, NJ
    June 1-6             New York, NY
    June 11-18           Los Angeles, CA
    June 19              Phoenix, AZ
    June 21              San Antonio, TX
    June 22              Dallas, TX
    June 23-24           Tulsa, OK
    June 26              St. Louis, MO
    June 27              Erlanger, KY
    June 28              Cincinnati, OH
    June 29              Lexington, KY
    June 30              Columbus, OH
    July 5               Battle Creek, MI
    July 6               Oakbrook, IL
    July 7               Bloomington, IL
    July 8-11            Chicago, IL