A new generation of racing enthusiasts is about to meet Italian-American motor-racing icon Mario Andretti, albeit in animated mouse form.
The legendary driver is guest-starring on Disney’s animated series “Mickey and the Roadster Racers” as Mario Mousedretti in “Mickey’s Spring Grand Prix,” and the episode looks adorable.
Mousedretti teams up with Mickey to race together in the Spring Grand Prix through Hot Dog Hills. International race car drivers Takuma Sato and Bia Figueiredo also guest-star as Sato and Bia, alongside NASCAR icons and recurring guest stars Danica Patrick and Jeff Gordon.
Get a sneak peek at what the episode has in store from the Disney Channel PR YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=31&v=7wI90VnV3K0
Parents and grandparents who have followed Andretti’s groundbreaking career — he has won races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR, and is one of only two drivers ever to do so—will jump at this sweet opportunity to introduce kiddos to one of racing’s great heroes.
Andretti praises the series for highlighting friendship, teamwork, and good sportsmanship.
“These are basic values in the sport of motor racing and also these are great ideals for the kids in life,” Andretti says. He also says the role will make him a big hero to his twin grandchildren, who are big Mickey and Minnie fans themselves.
Gordon, who regularly guest-stars on the show as a beagle named Gordon Gear, has also commended the show for the positive messages it sends to kids.
“What I like to see is shows that are fun and exciting; interesting, but also have great messaging,” Gordon says in a video interview. “And that’s what I think Mickey and his gang do so well”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=GLiNQm6mUbY
Danica Patrick calls her character, Danni Sue, “the hyper happy version of Danica Sue.” Patrick says being part of the show was an easy decision for her, having grown up watching Mickey Mouse:
“Who wouldn’t want to race with Mickey Mouse?” Andretti asks. We couldn’t agree more.
Mickey and the Roadster Racers “Mickey’s Spring Grand Prix” premieres Friday, April 5 at 10:00 a.m. on Disney Channel.
Written by Brooke Geiger McDonald for Make It Better.
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