Cars Academy

Cars Academy (originally titled The Bloomington Racing Academy: A Cars Standalone) is a 2021 Pixar Animation Studios film, directed by Adrian Molina, and the first standalone prequel to the Cars franchise. This is the story of how Lightning McQueen became a world-class racer. The music is set to be composed by Michael Giacchino. This movie won the Academy Award (R) for Best Animated Feature Film, and was nominated for six other Academy Awards (R) (such as Best Picture, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Production Design, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Original Screenplay). This is also the first Pixar film not to have a short film preceding the film.

Synopsis
"Speed is what he had and needed. Lightning McQueen is a small town car with big dreams. He has the ability to go 290 miles per hour. McQueen also dreamed of someday becoming a racer. So, McQueen adventures through perseverance and courage to race to the top of his class at the Bloomington Racing Academy! Later, in the next few years, McQueen is the best racer in the world!"

-Pixar official synopsis

Official Cast
Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen, the rookie at the Academy and the protagonist of the film.

Bob Odenwick as William K. Ignite (a.k.a. The Ignition), McQueen's racing idol and hidden and surprising undercover teacher at the Racing Academy and the antihero of the film

Taylor Kitsch as Timothy Shadow, Jr., McQueen's rival, the longest-to-stay student at the Racing Academy, and the primary antagonist of the film

Garrett Hendlund as Julius Flame

Michael Keaton as Chick Hicks

Milo Ventimiglia as Liticius Davies

Megan Boone as Rosette Cosmo

Kirsten Dunst as Janice Clover

Chadwick Boseman as Titanium Sterling

Beck Bennett as Jackpot Monte

Simon Helberg as Dexter Greaser

James Spader as Timothy Shadow, Sr.

Jeremy Piven as Harv

John Ratzenberger as Mack

Larry the Cable Guy as Mater (minor appearance)

Bonnie Hunt as Sally Carrera (minor appearance)