
In the European Spanish dub, he is voiced by Spanish Formula One driver Fernando Alonso. In the German dub, he is voiced by former Finnish Formula One driver Mika Häkkinen. Mario is a 1967 Ford Fairlane, the car the real Mario Andretti used to win the Daytona 500. He is based on, named after and voiced by Mario Andretti, a retired NASCAR and Formula One driver. Mario replies, "And good morning to you, uh, Fred." Fred then happily takes this as the fact that Mario Andretti knows his name. He greets the security guards when Fred, a rusty car with his name printed on his license plate, rolls up and greets Mario.
Mario Andretti attends the tiebreaker race in California, about to watch the race between Lightning McQueen, Chick Hicks, and The King. They were fierce competitors on the track, but good friends off the track."
Not many cars know this, but Mario is actually an old friend of Doc Hudson's. "Considered one of the most universally successful racers in history, Mario Andretti has done it all! Name a race circuit, series, or track and you can be assured that Mario has garnered victories on every one of them.