In Pixar’s Cars, what is the name of the interstate that Lightning McQueen leaves?

In Pixar’s Cars, Lightning McQueen leaves Interstate 40 after becoming separated from Mack.

The film’s opening race introduces McQueen as a talented but arrogant rookie competing in the Piston Cup. During an overnight transport trip, his hauler Mack stops at a rest area, but McQueen wakes up and accidentally falls out. He then follows the wrong vehicle onto the road and becomes lost.

McQueen eventually reaches Radiator Springs, a fictional town on historic Route 66. The route is an important part of the film’s setting because Radiator Springs has declined after Interstate 40 diverted traffic away from the old highway. This storyline reflects the real history of many Route 66 communities.

Interstate 40 is sometimes confused with Route 66 because both roads are central to the movie’s geography. However, I-40 is the modern highway McQueen leaves, while Route 66 is the older road running through Radiator Springs.