Lightning McQueen Day celebrates Cars 20th anniversary

September 5 marks Lightning McQueen Day, a fan-observed holiday celebrating the Disney and Pixar character through his signature number, 95. The date 9/5 serves as a tribute to the racer's racing number.

In 2026, the celebration coincides with the 20th anniversary of the film 'Cars'. To commemorate the milestone, a collaboration between Disney, Formula 1, and Mercedes-AMG will feature a special appearance at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. A Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+, serving as the official FIA Safety Car, will be decorated with 'Cars' themed livery and participate in a lap of honor.

Additionally, the Disney Store has released a new collection of themed merchandise to mark the occasion. The lineup includes apparel, accessories, pins, and collectibles, such as a Loungefly mini backpack and Spirit Jerseys, all featuring the character's iconic red, yellow, and black color scheme.