High performance Du Quoin fair in 2013; Lightning McQueen car to marshal parade

An 800-horsepower automobile will serve as the 2013 parade marshal at the Du Quoin State Fair when it starts up in late August, fair manager John Rednour Jr., has announced.

Planning for the 2013 Du Quoin State Fair is in full swing, Rednour explained, including making the fair's annual parade a historic one.

"For the first time in the fair's history, we are going to have something other than a person serve as parade marshal," Rednour said. "We are very excited to announce that our parade marshal will be none other than the Lightning McQueen car."

Lightning McQueen, of course, is a Disney animated character, but animation went to live creation when the Lightning McQueen car was built. The car resides in Illinois at the Volo Auto Museum.

"Lightning McQueen is a red blooded race car," said Volo Museum Director Brian Grams. "Built to NASCAR specs, it is a full-blown, ready to race muscle machine with an 800-horsepower Chevy V8 engine and four-speed transmission. It has a fully caged chassis, special race seats, radio communications, four-wheel disc brakes, adjustable suspension and much more. In fact, everything you would expect to see on Dale (Earnhardt) Jr.'s car."

Following the parade, the car will be placed on display at the fair from Friday, August 23 through Sunday, August 25.

"I think there will be a lot of children and other fair visitors who will want to have their picture taken with this car," Rednour said. "It's one of a kind and, as many people know, Lightning McQueen has world-wide popularity."

Lightning McQueen was one of the main characters in Disney's 2006 animated Pixar film 'Cars' and its sequel 'Cars 2.'

The theme for this year's fair is "Wheels & Deals."

While the arrival of the Lightning McQueen car will be the first exciting event at the fair that has wheels there are many other events already booked and being planned, Rednour said.

That includes Tony Petersen's Hell Drivers featuring the greatest names in Hollywood stunt driving who will demonstrate 25 high-speed stunts featuring cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

"This is a show you will have to see to believe," Rednour said. "These professional drivers can do things on wheels that you probably have only seen in the movies."

Also coming to the fair is extreme freestyle motocross jumping. "You will see the biggest tricks in motocross jumping during this show," Rednour said. "They don't call it extreme for nothing."

Rednour noted that there are many other shows currently being planned, including grandstand acts which, he said, will again include a military veterans show.

"Last year's military veterans show was huge featuring Lee Greeenwood," Rednour said. "We've got another great name in mind and believe we can pack the house again in a salute to our military heroes."