Meet Disney’s Lightning McQueen in Ballymena this week — and support a remarkable children’s charity

A model of Lightning McQueen, commissioned by Disney Pixar will make a visit to Ballymena this week

Families across Ballymena will have the chance to meet a real-life Lightning McQueen this week as a remarkable Disney-commissioned replica of the much-loved Pixar character arrives at Raceview Karting for a special charity fundraising event.

The famous fibreglass car, which was originally created in the United States as a promotional vehicle for the Cars 2 film premiere and later used by Disney at UK movie events, will be at Raceview Karting from 10am to 5pm on Wednesday, 29 July.

For young Disney fans, it promises a rare opportunity to see the iconic red racing car up close, take photographs and meet one of cinema’s most recognisable characters.

More than just a family attraction

Behind the colourful appearance lies a deeply personal story.

Devon man Luke Russell travels the UK with Lightning McQueen to raise money for JB and Me, the charity his family established following the devastating death of his 27-month-old nephew, whose sudden loss inspired them to support other families experiencing child bereavement.

Luke Russell

Speaking previously about why he began the journey, Luke explained:

“The reason we started this charity, my 27-month-old nephew… he basically went to sleep and didn’t wake up.”

He said the tragedy changed his family’s lives forever and motivated him to help others facing unimaginable loss.

“At the time, there’s nothing you can do to make that situation any better, but now, I do exactly what I can to make their life better… this is why we do what we do, this is why we go touring the country, this is why we help as many families as we can because I’ve seen what it did to your family.”

Luke also spoke about supporting his older brother through the tragedy.

“He was always the one who got me out of the trouble… and unfortunately, I then had to put the big boy pants on and say actually I need to be there for him now – and I didn’t know how to.”

Helping bereaved families

The charity uses funds raised through appearances by Lightning McQueen to visit children’s hospices and children’s funerals, bringing moments of comfort to young families during incredibly difficult times.

Its longer-term ambition is even more ambitious.

JB and Me hopes to raise enough money to provide financial support to parents who have lost a child, helping cover living costs for a month or two so families can grieve without the immediate pressure of returning to work.

Luke, who works full-time repairing farm machinery, transports the car around the country in a customised Mercedes Sprinter and trailer, allowing the attraction to visit communities that would otherwise never experience it.

He believes the Ballymena visit will introduce Lightning McQueen to thousands of families who may never have had the chance to see the Disney attraction before.

A rare visit to Northern Ireland

According to Luke, the family believes they are the only private owners of a Disney-commissioned Lightning McQueen of its kind.

That makes the Raceview Karting appearance a particularly unusual event for Northern Ireland, where the attraction has not previously toured.

Organisers are encouraging families to come along, enjoy the experience, take photographs and, in doing so, help raise money for a charity supporting children and parents affected by bereavement.

What you need to know

• Event: Meet Lightning McQueen

• Venue: Raceview Karting, Ballymena

• Date: Wednesday, 29 July

• Time: 10am–5pm

• Purpose: Charity fundraiser for JB and Me

Families can also follow Luke’s journey with Lightning McQueen on Instagram and TikTok at @bringlightningtolife.

The Ballymena visit offers children the excitement of meeting one of Disney Pixar’s best-loved characters while helping a charity dedicated to bringing comfort and practical support to families during some of the hardest moments of their lives.