Lightning McQueen is one of my favorite Disney Characters! So, of course, I love all things Mcqueen and want to know everything like Lightning Mcqueen Facts & Lightning Mcqueen Quotes!
I loved the Cars Movies from Cars 2 to Cars 3 and the spinoffs! Every time I take a road trip, I think of the iconic music in the movies, and of course, here comes Lightning McQueen Phrases blaring through my head, and then I become a walking quote machine, lol
If you are as big of a fan as me, then you’ll love these Lightning Mcqueen quotes to remember your favorite race car from Cars! Plus, we found some cool facts about Lightning Mcqueen!
This post is all about Lightning Mcqueen Phrases and Lightning Mcqueen Cool Facts! Also, a shoutout to Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios for creating the very famous racecar, Lightning McQueen
5 Best Lightning Mcqueen Quotes
“KA-CHOW!”
Lightning Mcqueen
This is Lightning McQueen’s catchphrase, and honestly, they chose it so perfectly to go along with his name and lucky stickers.
“I am a precision instrument of speed and aerodynamics”
Lightning Mcqueen
Such a great line where he preaches self-confidence and hypes himself up. This definitely teaches all of us to believe in ourselves and our abilities.
“Float like a Cadillac, sting like a Beemer.”
Lightning McQueen
“Faster than fast, Quicker than quick. I am lightning. Speed. I am speed.”
Lightning Mcqueen
Another line of self-confidence by the one and only Lightning McQueen! Also, one of his catchphrases he says before every race when you can tell he’s feeling a little nervous.
“I think the King should finish his last race”
Lightning Mcqueen
This is a super meaningful line by Lightning McQueen and is a life lesson for all of us. He gave up being the first rookie to win the Piston Cup so that he could help the King finish his very last race. He sacrificed something to help someone else.
“This grumpy old race car once told me something. ‘It’s just an empty cup'”
Lightning McQueen – Cars
This was by far one of the most influential lines when he says, “It’s just an empty cup” of the entire movie. The way Lightning McQueen had this obsession with the Piston Cup and winning to the moment that he said this line.
It shows how Lightning’s character developed, and he now cared about so much more than just winning. This is an important lesson to teach in life, that though winning is great, sometimes the lessons learned and the experience itself is worth more than the prize or trophy at the end of it.
Don't Forget To Pin This For Later and Follow Us On Pinterest!
Love All Things Disney? Then Check Out These Amazing Disney Quotes & Facts About Your Favorite Disney Characters! ⭐️ 101 Dalmatians Names & Trivia ⭐️ Mickey Mouse Phrases & Facts ⭐️ Minnie Mouse Sayings! ⭐️ Jessie Toy Story Phrases ⭐️ Oogie Boogie Phrases ⭐️ Amazing Olaf Quotes
“I’m In Hillbilly Hell!”
Lightning McQueen – Cars
This funny Lightning McQueen quote is my favorite! I remember from the movie! I remember hearing it for the first time and cackling because I remember so many road trips I made where I felt like I was in the middle of nowhere and could relate, haha.
Also, glad that Lightning eventually grows to realize that just because a place isn’t as big as a popular city doesn’t make it any less. In fact, some of the best towns I’ve visited are just like radiator springs!
10 Best Lightning Mcqueen Quotes from Cars
” I wanted to give the folks a little sizzle.”
Lightning Mcqueen
This one was a nice reputation saver after Lightning, the hotshot rookie race car, nearly lost the race. His three-way tie was a near loss, though Lightning spun this around in his favor as if he was trying to give the fans some “sizzle” and entertainment. You can always count on Lightning McQueen to hype himself up.
“I hate rusty cars”
Lightning
This is one of those things that shows the growth of Lightning’s character by the end of the movie. At first, he hates rusty cars and is so in touch with his reputation as a fancy famous car rookie sensation. But by the end of the movie, his very own best friend is a rusty old tow truck named Mater.
“Float like a Cadillac, sting like a Beemer”
Lightning McQueen – Cars
This is a cute and funny Cars twist on the famous “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” I especially love when grumpy old race car Doc mocks Lightning and repeats the phrases to make fun of Lightning after he crashes lol ” Was that floating like a Cadillac, or was that stinging like a beemer?” Hudson Hornet
“That driving backwards. It’s creeping me out. You’re gonna wreck or something.”
Lightning Mcqueen Quotes from Cars the movie
This is a funny scene where Lightning is astonished watching Mater drive backward due to the fact that Lightning could never do that since he’s a race car with no lights and no external side mirrors… Poor guy just wasn’t designed to do that.
“I create feelings in others that they themselves don’t understand.”
Lightning Mcqueen
Another moment where Lightning McQueen was absolutely full of himself in front of Sally… though Sally wasn’t amused…
“I’m a very famous race car!”
Funny Lightning Mcqueen Quote
Not Lightning being so shocked that no one knew who he was… This was giving celebrity who thinks they’re super huge, but when they’re seen in public, it’s actually crickets. Lol…
“Oh right. That makes perfect sense. Turn right to go left”
Lightning McQueen – Cars
We’ve all had these moments where someone explained something to us, but it made absolutely zero sense, and when we tried it, we failed. This was the very moment Lightning drove into a bunch of Cacti because he tried the advice Doc Hudson gave him, but it didn’t seem to work for him.
“Wow, you were right, Better than a Ferrari, huh?”
Lightning
This was actually a funny line because Lightning is trying to convince himself and his buddies that he’s better than a Ferrari… one of the world’s fastest cars…
“I don’t know. Why don’t we just take a drive.”
Mcqueen
Lightning sure took a turn from being the fast race car that hated radiator springs to the car that wanted to just slow down, take a drive, and enjoy the sights of radiator springs scenery.
“Holy. Porsche”
Lightning
The line Lightning says upon first laying eyes on Sally, his one and only love! He was starstruck, which is just so cute, and also how he misjudged and did not realize she was from radiator springs
If You Love Lightning's Best Friend Tow Mater! Then Check Out These Funny Tow Mater Quotes and Facts!
10 Best Lightning McQueen Quotes from Cars 2
“I know Doc said these things were just old cups, but to have someone else win it just didn’t feel right, you know?”
Lightning McQueen – Cars 2
It was only right that after the Piston Cup was renamed, Lightning ended up being the one to win it. Just so you know, it was renamed in honor of Doc, and Lightning took it upon himself to win it for Doc but also in honor of Doc.
“It’s official. You’re coming to all my races from now on”
Lightning Mcqueen
After a huge argument with Mater and Lightning being pretty mean to him, Lightning makes a big promise. Mater is officially coming to all of his races from now on.
“Wait, why do you know his name? And don’t say it like that. Its three syllables, not ten!”
Lightning Mcqueen
Not Lightning being jealous of Sally knowing another car’s name… I mean, I guess when that car is your arch-nemesis, it makes sense.
“He is so getting beat tomorrow!”
Lightning Mcqueen
Okay, but Lightning trash-talking to Francesco was too funny. He was seriously feeling the pressure from Francesco, but in the end, Lightning will always be the best in our eyes… though Francesco’s open wheels were pretty nice…
“Yes, Mater you are the bomb!”
Lightning Mcqueen
Lightning telling Mater just how amazing he is is everything, and we support it. Especially considering that Lightning was pretty mean to Mater throughout the movie, so it’s only right that Lightning hypes up Mater and cheers him up.
“I’m not letting you get away again!”
Lightning Mcqueen
This was pretty sweet that Lightning left his race to chase after Mater to apologize and fix their friendship.
“Be yourself here. If people aren’t taking you serious then they need to change not you.”
Lightning McQueen – Cars 2
This was a very meaningful line said by Lightning to the very down-in-the-dumps Mater. Just be yourself, and those who aren’t accepting are the ones with the problem, not you. This is a huge message to be received by everyone in the world, especially today.
“I’ll see you at the finish line buddy.”
Lightning Mcqueen
Mater and Lightning racing together at the end of the movie when Mater got to keep his rockets was the cutest thing. Mater basically became the fastest car in existence with those rockets on, and the smile on his face was the best thing ever. Though the competitive side in both of them is worrisome, who won the race in the end?
“Mater look, things are different over here. So, maybe you should act a little different.”
Lightning Mcqueen Cars Quotes
At the beginning of the movie, Lightning is pretty mean to Mater and is almost embarrassed by the way Mater is acting. But only it wasn’t an act; this is Mater. So for Lightning to tell him to be different was just plain mean. Thankfully, there is a change in attitude later in the movie.
“He’s my best friend.”
Lightning Mcqueen
One of the best emotional Lightning Mcqueen quotes. Lightning is talking about Mater being his best friend is so precious. Coming from his first movie, where he hated rusty cars, and he hated radiator springs and everyone in it. To him now, having such close relationships with everyone from Radiator Springs, mainly Mater.
Where Can You Meet Lightning McQueen At Disneyland?
If you’re a big fan of Lightning and Cars, then you’ll be so happy to know that Disneyland California Adventure Park has a whole area dedicated to CARS!
You’ll find the real race car Lightning Mcqueen and The popular rusty Tow Truck Mater cruising through Cars Land and making a pitstop at The Cozy Cone Motel for Disney Photos and character meet and greets!
Is There a Lightning McQueen Ride at Disneyland?
One of the best rides you can get on at Cars and at Disneyland is the Radiator Springs Racers Ride! This fast-paced Cars race track takes you on a blazing fast journey in your very own Nascar-inspired car from the CARS Franchise!
You’ll go through popular Cars cameos and sceneries like the town called Radiator Springs or, as Lightning liked to call it, Hillbilly Hell, haha.
This ride can get packed, so make sure you have a good Disneyland Rope Drop Strategy!
If you want to know more about CARS Land, Then read our Cars Land Guide!
Where can you meet Lightning McQueen at Disney World?
There are a few different places that you can find Lightning Mcqueen when visiting Walt Disney World. The first is our favorite because it’s easy to get to within the Disney Parks, but it’s also more immersive! The Second is something you do on a non-Disney park day, and it’s great for photos!
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
Lightning Mcqueen’s Racing Academy! This super fun show features a ton of your favorite Cars Characters like Sally, Lightning Mcqueen, Tow Mater, Doc Hudson, Flo, Cruz Ramirez, and even not-so-favorite characters like Chick Hicks.
Disney’s Art of Animation Hotel: Cozy Cone & Radiator Springs
If you have a non-park day while at Disney World, then visiting Disney’s Art of Animation Hotel is a total must so you can see the epic larger-than-life-size Cars Franchise in person.
Cars characters you’ll find as of 2023:
- Lightning McQueen
- Sally
- Doc Hudson
- Fillmore
- Ramone
- Flo
- Sheriff
- Luigi
- Guido
- Sarge
10 Lightning Mcqueen Quotes from Cars 3
“I decide when I’m done.”
Lightning McQueen – Cars 3
The entire message of the third movie was based on the fact that Lightning McQueen was old and washed up, in a sense. But the lesson he learned was that in the end, he will decide when he’s done racing, not anyone else, as they did to his mentor Doc Hudson.
“This is my last chance Cruz, my last chance. If I lose I never get to do this again.”
Mcqueen
Lightning knew he had one chance to prove his worth, to prove that he still belonged in the racing world.
“The racing is the reward, not the stuff!”
Lightning Mcqueen
This quote shows some serious character growth on his part. While in the first movie, all Lightning wanted to do was win that old Piston Cup, now you can see that what he truly values is the experience, not the win.
“Which makes it my last chance to give you your first chance, Cruz.”
Lightning McQueen – Cars 3
This was probably one of the cutest moments in the third movie and one of my favorite Lightning McQueen quotes. Although Lightning knew his moment was up, he chose to give his moment away to give Cruz Ramirez her time to shine. This was downright selfless and so inspirational to see. Such a good lesson to be taught to everyone; sometimes, you can and should sacrifice to help someone else get a step up.
“Well, life’s a beach, and then you drive.”
Lightning Mcqueen
He isn’t wrong. Sometimes life throws you obstacles, but in this case, you just drive right on and keep going! Love the message.
“Kid’s got a lot of stuff, eh, Doc?”
Lightning Mcqueen
Lightning is talking about Cruz and her talent. I mean, seeing him having his own mentee and being proud of her is so sweet. He is becoming as great of a person (car) as Doc Hudson was.
“I can’t go out on the track and do the same old thing, it won’t work.”
Mcqueen
Now, with McQueen being older and a part of an older generation of racers, he knows he has to switch up his technique and work even harder than ever to beat these youngsters out there. It’s sad to see, but at the same time is a part of life, older people being replaced by their younger counterparts.
“Figured if I’m gonna be your crew chief, I better do it in style.”
Lightning Mcqueen
Okay, what about Lightning McQueen honoring Doc Hudson, don’t we love? He changed his entire paint job to honor Doc Hudson while he supports Cruz Ramirez, and we fully support this.
“Hey Cruz? You want to check out the home track of the greatest racer ever?”
Lightning Mcqueen
This is one of my favorite Cars quotes. It’s so sweet how in the first movie, upon first meeting, Doc and Lightning absolutely hated each other, but now, looking back, you see just how much of an inspiration Doc was to Lightning.
“No, she’s a racer. Just took me a while to see it.”
Lightning Mcqueen
This was such an important moment for young girls out there. Lightning fully supported and was Cruz’s biggest fan as a racer. He fully accepted her as a racer which you don’t really see any female racers in the films until this point.
10 Lightning Mcqueen Unique Facts
- Lightning McQueen sports the number “95,” which is a reference to the year 1995, the year the first Pixar film, Toy Story, came out. This is such a cool Lightning Mcqueen Fact!
- Lighting McQueen’s sponsor is Rust-eze which he absolutely hates due to his disfavor for rusty cars.
- Lightning McQueen’s design was created when Cars animators combined the designs of Nascar Gen 4 cars, Corvettes, Vipers, Chargers, and more sporty cars from the time period of the late 1900’s to the early 2000s.
- Lightning actually wasn’t always his name… The creators originally wanted to name him “Montgomery,” with his short name being “Monty” in reference to a Monte Carlo. But they figured after redesigning his appearance that the name “Lightning” would fit better, and we are so glad they did.
- The last name McQueen was given in honor of the late Pixar animator “Glenn McQueen” who passed away in 2002.
- The yellow strip on Lightning McQueen’s bumper is something NASCAR does for Rookie race cars.
- In Cars 2, Lightning McQueen got a redesign and has working headlights instead of stickers, like in the first movie.
- Lightning’s sounds and revs are generated from NASCAR.
- Lightning McQueen’s top speed is 200mph, 750hp, 0-60 in 3.2 seconds; that was super fast for real race cars during that time!
- Lightning selflessly gave up the chance to be the first-ever rookie to win the Piston Cup so he could help the King “Strip Weathers” finish the race.
Lightning McQueen Facts FAQ
Lightning McQueen is an original design that was inspired by multiple types of NASCAR cars, Gen 4. Specifically, it’s said that the C6 R Corvette was part of this inspiration.
Lightning McQueen is a fast car with 750 horsepower and is able to reach speeds of 200 mph for his top speed.
Lightning McQueen’s original name was Montgomery Mcqueen, but afterward, the Pixar studio wanted to change his name to something more custom, thus Lightning was created.
Lightning McQueen’s catchphrase is “Ka-Chow”, this iconic phrase is repeatedly said by Lightning McQueen whether racing or showing off.
Lightning Mcqueen always says “Ka-Chow,” which is also his iconic catchphrase!