In Pixar’s Cars (2006), Lightning McQueen accidentally leaves Interstate 40 while heading to California.
The race car becomes separated from his transport truck, Mack, during the night. While trying to catch up, Lightning takes a wrong turn and ends up on Route 66, eventually reaching the nearly forgotten town of Radiator Springs.
Interstate 40 is important because it parallels much of the historic Route 66 through the American Southwest. The film uses this setting to connect Radiator Springs with the real decline of towns bypassed by newer highways.
A common mix-up is saying that Lightning leaves Route 66. In the story, he leaves Interstate 40 first; Route 66 is the older road that leads him toward Radiator Springs.