In an unexpected twist, the debate over the greatest of all time (GOAT) has expanded beyond human athletes to include animated characters, specifically Lightning McQueen from the 2006 film Cars. The discourse ignited on The Stephen A. Smith Show when a viewer questioned where Lightning McQueen Piston Cup wins would rank him among sports GOATs.
Host Stephen A. Smith weighed in, dismissing the idea of McQueen as the GOAT, citing the equally impressive record of Strip ‘The King’ Weathers, another character from Cars, who also boasts seven Piston Cups. Smith humorously revealed his knowledge of the Cars universe, stating, “You didn’t think I knew about Cars, did you? You slept on a brother.”
The spirited debate took an unexpected turn when Smith questioned why Cars characters were being discussed instead of those from Fast & Furious. The viewer argued that Cars is “real to little kids,” prompting Smith’s fiery response and a quick hang-up.
its time we talk about Lightning McQueen as the greatest athlete of all time
— 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘦💍 ¥$ (@affewrld) November 16, 2023
– 7 piston cup wins (would've been 8 if he didn't stop during rookie year)
– Over 90 career wins
– Beat the fastest F1 car in the world
– Greatest off road driver of all time
what CANT he do?? 🐐 pic.twitter.com/gx0u2FDfkK
The viral clip has since sparked further discussions among Cars enthusiasts, with fans ranking characters based on their achievements. While many champion Lightning McQueen for his main character energy, others argue in favor of Strip Weathers, citing his victories in different eras and dubbing him the “Messi of cars.”
I love McQueen but he would NOT survive the physicality of Doc’s era https://t.co/ii8r3FXA5Q
— teku13 (@teku13123) November 17, 2023
The ongoing debate explores the intricacies of animated sports achievements, with fans scrutinizing the characters’ records and longevity in the Cars universe. The comparison between Lightning McQueen and Strip Weathers has become a hot topic, reflecting the passion and dedication of fans to their animated favorites.
As the discussion continues to gain traction online, it’s evident that the Cars universe has created a unique space for sports-related debates, blurring the lines between real-world athletes and their animated counterparts. Whether one sides with Lightning McQueen or Strip Weathers, the GOAT debate has taken an unexpected and entertaining turn in the world of animated sports lore.
