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.
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. “And that’s what I think Mickey and his gang do so well.”
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 10:00AM on Disney Channel.
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Editor in Chief of Make It Better, Brooke Geiger McDonald is a Chicago native and Northwestern University grad with a Master’s in English Literature from King’s College London. She’s worked for O, The Oprah Magazine and Shape magazine in New York and for various book publishers in London. Back home in Chicago, she’s outnumbered by her husband and two sons, and the four of them are certifiable Disney and Star Wars fanatics, always counting down the days to their next Disney vacation. Her favorite nonprofits to support include organizations focused on environmental conservation and combatting climate change, such as the Environmental Defense Fund and Shedd Aquarium. Follow her on Instagram: @brookegmcdonald
