Lightning McQueen is still a hero to kids everywhere—and their joy is absolutely contagious.
In a world that moves faster every day, sometimes all it takes is a single moment to bring us back to childhood. That’s exactly what happened in a square turned into Radiator Springs, the iconic town from Pixar’s Cars, where life-sized versions of Lightning McQueen and his blue Porsche companion, Sally, sparked a wave of emotion in two young brothers.
As soon as the kids spotted the familiar shapes of Disney Pixar’s beloved cars, they sprinted straight toward them. “Sally! Sally!” they shouted with joy, while one of them even shouted McQueen’s famous catchphrase, “Ka-Chow!”, a sound that’s become iconic for an entire generation.
Their spontaneous reaction melted hearts online: the original video has racked up over 7 million views, with shares from major outlets like ESPN, and has surpassed one million likes across platforms. In that moment, it really felt like McQueen and Sally were back, ready to hit the Route 66 once again with engines roaring and “Our Town” playing in the background.
VIDEO – TWO KIDS SEE LIGHTNING McQUEEN AND GET EMOTIONAL !
The movie Cars, released in 2006 and now a certified Pixar classic, left a lasting mark on the childhood of millions. Nearly two decades later, it’s still a favorite—passed down to the next generation, cherished by fans young and old, and remembered with nostalgia.
Moments like this remind us why. That joyful run, that shout of “Ka-Chow!”—they’re more than just reactions. For many of us, they’re a return to childhood. A reminder that Cars is still alive—living on through the eyes and emotions of those who never stopped seeing the world like a child.