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Animator Ariya Alexander Berenji is developing an independent Cars prequel fan film about Strip Weathers, the younger version of The King. Project materials show 3D character designs inspired by NASCAR figures and liveries, but a release date, production schedule and distribution plans have not been announced in the source report.
Animator Ariya Alexander Berenji is developing an independent Cars prequel fan film about Strip Weathers, the younger version of Richard Petty-inspired racer The King. Designs and project details shared through Berenji’s R-ya Productions channel include 3D cars based on NASCAR history, though the source report does not identify a release date or distribution plan.
The film’s premise centers on how Strip Weathers earned his reputation before becoming the celebrated racer seen in Pixar’s 2006 film Cars. The project is described as a fan film, not an official Pixar production. Its setting is the 1980s, and the designs use period-inspired colors and visual details to distinguish the younger characters from their later appearances.
Among the showcased designs is a car based on Dale Earnhardt, recognizable by its black finish and number three. The fan film replaces the real-world Goodwrench sponsor name with “Sidewall Shine.” The younger Strip Weathers, meanwhile, is designed with a blue-and-orange scheme drawing on Richard Petty’s later Petty Blue and STP Orange colors, rather than the solid blue associated with Petty’s earlier cars and The King in the original Cars.
The project also reimagines Chick Hicks, the antagonist from Cars, in red and gold, with a look inspired by Bill Elliott’s Coors-sponsored number nine Ford Thunderbird. A new character, Toni Jo Torque, is described as a five-time champion and mentor to Weathers and Hicks. Her design combines stock-car features with elements of a Porsche 935 and draws on liveries associated with Shawna Robinson, Danica Patrick and Toni Briedinger.
NASCAR History Shapes the Fan Film
The project connects the Cars franchise’s talking-car world with real NASCAR history through recognizable numbers, paint schemes and racing influences. That approach gives fans a visual way to identify the inspirations behind the characters while telling a new story about The King’s early career.
It also highlights how independent creators can develop detailed fan projects around established entertainment properties. However, the material described in the report is a fan-made work: it should not be confused with a Pixar-authorized prequel or treated as a new studio film. The distinction matters for audiences looking for official Cars announcements, and the project’s eventual form and reach remain unknown.
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From Pixar’s King to Strip Weathers
Pixar released Cars in 2006, with Richard Petty voicing The King, a character modeled on Petty’s racing image and iconic Plymouth Superbird. In the film, The King is an established champion. Berenji’s fan-film premise moves the story back to his younger years, when the character is still known as Strip Weathers.
The source report says the planned settings include Copper Canyon Speedway, a location also seen in Cars 3, as well as a bowling alley and an ice cream parlor serving “frozen coolant.” The setting and venues support the project’s retro presentation. These are details described for the fan film, not confirmation of an official franchise continuation.
“Aspiring filmmaker”
— Ariya Alexander Berenji, describing himself through R-ya Productions
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Release Plans Remain Unreported
The source report does not provide a completion date, release date, runtime or distribution plan. It also does not establish how much of the film has been produced beyond the character designs and project details discussed. The report points readers to R-ya Productions’ YouTube channel for updates, but gives no schedule for further announcements.
The available material describes the project as a fan film and does not report Pixar or Disney involvement, approval or licensing. Its official status is therefore clear from the description, but any future distribution arrangements or changes in production plans are not confirmed.
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Watch for Project Updates
Berenji is directing viewers to the R-ya Productions YouTube channel for further project updates. Any new videos or statements there may clarify the film’s production progress, cast of characters and intended release format. Until those details are published, the project’s timeline and final scope remain open.
For now, the confirmed development is the creation of a NASCAR-inspired Cars fan prequel centered on a younger Strip Weathers. A finished film or official studio announcement has not been reported.
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Key Questions
Is this an official Pixar Cars prequel?
No. The source describes it as an independent fan film by Ariya Alexander Berenji, not an official Pixar production.
Who is the fan film about?
It follows Strip Weathers, the younger version of The King, the Richard Petty-inspired racer voiced by Petty in the 2006 Cars film.
Which NASCAR figures inspired the designs?
The reported designs draw on Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Bill Elliott. Toni Jo Torque’s look also references liveries associated with Shawna Robinson, Danica Patrick and Toni Briedinger.
When will the film be released?
The source report gives no release date or production schedule. Berenji’s R-ya Productions channel is identified as the place to follow for updates.
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