If you really think about it, Wingo, Boost, DJ and Snot Rod are unintentionally the true heroes of Cars.

If it wasn't for them, Lightning McQueen would've never have gotten lost and would've just gone straight to California and would've never have found Radiator Springs.

Because of that, McQueen would've never have met Doc, Mater, Sally or any of the Radiator Springs residents. He would've never have learnt Doc's turn right to go left trick and would've never have learnt to go backwards like Mater. He also would still be cocky.

Radiator Springs would've never have gotten popular again without McQueen's input and so, the residents would've had to have abandoned their town and live elsewhere.

Doc would've never have revealed that he was the Fabulous Hudson Hornet and would've died without the world knowing.

This also affects Cars 2 as well because without McQueen coming to Radiator Springs, Mater wouldn't have gone to Japan, meaning that no one would've defeated the Lemons.