# Cars Prequel Fan Film Makes Waves

> Ariya Alexander Berenji's Cars prequel features NASCAR-inspired characters and looks legit.
- Title: Cars Prequel Fan Film Makes Waves · Motor1 | Shortify
- Summary: Ariya Alexander Berenji's Cars prequel features NASCAR-inspired characters and looks legit. Ariya Alexander Berenji created a Cars prequel with NASCAR-themed…
- Keywords: ariya alexander berenji, cars prequel, nascar, pixar, radiator springs, lightning mcqueen, david pearson, dale earnhardt, bill elliott, coors, disney plus, disney junior
- Source: Motor1 — https://motor1.com/news/810925/fan-making-cars-prequel-nascar
- Author: Brian Potter
- Published: 2026-10-06T15:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ariya alexander berenji, cars prequel, nascar, pixar, radiator springs, lightning mcqueen, david pearson, dale earnhardt, bill elliott, coors, disney plus, disney junior
## Fan Film Unveiled
Ariya Alexander Berenji created a Cars prequel from scratch with new characters.
## NASCAR-Inspired World
The film features 1980s-era NASCAR vehicles and a fictional Copper Canyon Speedway.
## Strip Weathers' Story
Berenji reimagines Strip Weathers, a character based on NASCAR legend Richard Petty, before Lightning McQueen.
## Toni Jo Torque
Toni Jo Torque, a five-time champion, mentors Strip Weathers and young Chick Hicks.
## NASCAR Design Details
A Dale Earnhardt character wears number three in black, while Chick Hicks has a red-and-gold scheme.
## Future Expansion
Berenji plans to add David Pearson characters and expand the Cars universe.
## Key takeaway

Ariya Alexander Berenji created a Cars prequel with NASCAR-themed characters that Pixar never made.