What fictional Arizona town is Lightning McQueen stranded in during Pixar's Cars?

Lightning McQueen is stranded in the fictional Arizona town of Radiator Springs during Pixar's Cars. He reaches the town after damaging its main road while trying to escape pursuit.

Radiator Springs is located along the historic U.S. Route 66 in the film's fictional geography. Its population has declined after Interstate 40 bypassed the town, a storyline inspired by the real economic effects of highways bypassing older Route 66 communities.

The town includes characters such as Mater, Sally Carrera, Doc Hudson, and Luigi. Its residents force Lightning to repair the damaged road, and the work gradually changes his attitude toward friendship, fame, and competition.

Radiator Springs was inspired by real southwestern landscapes and Route 66 locations. The town remains the central home base of the Cars franchise, even when later films move the characters to international races or other parts of the racing world.