Cartney Brakin: The McQueen Fan Spotted in Tokyo

Summary

• Introduction
• Who is Cartney Brakin?
• Her appearance in Cars 2
• Origin of the name
• Mattel Miniature
• Her role in the Cars universe
• Summary table
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Cartney Brakin is a minor character who briefly appears in Cars 2 (2011). She is depicted as a Lightning McQueen admirer, identifiable by her red livery and decorations inspired by the Piston Cup champion. If you want to show your colors every day, check out our Cars Samsung phone cases.

Who is Cartney Brakin?

Cartney Brakin is seen during the sequence set in Tokyo, specifically in the city's arrival/tour montage. Presented as a small vehicle, she has a red livery with patterns referencing Lightning McQueen. The film does not specify her age or exact status, but her size and staging suggest she is a young fan (like other "child" fans seen in the saga). To complete your fan setup, consider Cars school pencil cases.

Her license plate 06-23 is a detail known through her miniature (die-cast), rather than by a clear on-screen reading.

🧵 Cartney never had to pick an outfit: her red livery with its McQueen motifs is painted on her once and for all. You, on the other hand, get to choose where our Cars patches and badges go, on your jacket or on your bag.

Her appearance in Cars 2

Cartney Brakin is spotted in a store full of McQueen merchandise. She plays with/observes a McQueen toy (remote-controlled type) and reacts when she sees Lightning McQueen (and Mater) in real life.

Contrary to some interpretations, reference sources indicate that she faints from excitement upon meeting him, rather than simply freezing. Meanwhile, if you're following the new wave of racers, discover Next-Gen Ryan "Inside" Laney.

Origin of the name

The character's name pays tribute to Courtney Bergin, production office coordinator on Cars 2, following a Pixar tradition of giving secondary characters names inspired by team members.

The Mattel Miniature

Cartney Brakin was released as a Mattel 1:55 miniature as Chase #40 in assortments related to Cars 2. "Chase" models are generally produced in more limited quantities than standard versions, which explains why she is often harder to find.

She regularly appears on the secondary market, with prices varying according to condition, blister pack, and demand. Her "Chase" status and her design as a dedicated McQueen fan make her a prized item for collectors. On the Next-Gen side, also check out Aaron Clocker and Barry DePedal.

🧳 To run into Lightning McQueen for real, Cartney only had to push open the door of a Tokyo shop; you still have the trip to make, and our Cars suitcases are built for that kind of departure.

Her role in the Cars universe

Although very fleeting, her appearance serves to illustrate the public's enthusiasm for racers and to reinforce the idea that McQueen has an international fanbase. The character has no active narrative role, no identified dialogue, and is confined to this scene. For outings, see our selection of Cars backpacks.

Summary table

FAQ

• Does Cartney Brakin speak in the film?
  No, no identified lines.
• In what scene does she appear?
  In the store full of McQueen merchandise in Tokyo.
• Is she a child?
  The film doesn't state it, but her size and staging suggest a young fan.
• Why is she popular with collectors?
  Because she's a Chase figure + McQueen fan design.

Conclusion

Cartney Brakin is a minor secondary character from Cars 2, but recognizable thanks to her Lightning McQueen-centric design. Her miniature as a "Chase Car" has largely contributed to her popularity among collectors, despite a very brief on-screen presence. To continue reading about Next-Gen, check out Ryan "Inside" Laney, Aaron Clocker, and Barry DePedal, and equip yourself with our Cars Samsung phone cases, Cars school pencil cases, and Cars backpacks.

👕 Cartney Brakin wears her Lightning McQueen-centric design right on her bodywork; on your own shoulders, our Cars clothing takes care of that.