'Turbo' paces the stout co-host field on 'Today'

NEW YORK – And the winner is … Turbo.

Those placing a virtual wager on #TurboRyan via Twitter came out ahead as Ryan Reynolds, the voice of Theo, the main character of the DreamWorks Animation feature film “Turbo,” bested the cast of “Today” in a game of skeeball in NBC’s Studio 1A plaza.

The U.S. premiere of “Turbo” is later in the day in Manhattan. The 3D adventure film, distributed by 20th Century Fox, opens in theaters July 17.

Reigning Indianapolis 500 champion Tony Kanaan presented Reynolds a replica of the 500 Mile Race winner’s wreath following his decisive victory in the skeeball contest of focus accuracy that sent racing snails from the movie up the side of Studio 1A.

The show's co-hosts -- Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Natalie Morales and Willie Geist – asked for a rematch.

“I need more practice; that was evident. I lost a lot of my contacts in the skeeball league so we’re going to have to get on this,” Lauer said.

The movie features the movie talents of Snoop Dogg, Paul Giamatti, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Pena, Maya Rudolph, Bill Hader and Reynolds as the main character Theo -- a common San Fernando Valley garden snail with dreams of winning the Indianapolis 500.

The Indy 500, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the IZOD IndyCar Series are highlighted.

“The movie is amazing for kids and adults alike,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds was director David Soren’s first choice for the voice of the Don Quixote-like character.

“We found the perfect match in voice and in persona in Ryan. This was an idea that I pitched the studio a long time ago and INDYCAR came on board after we decided that ‘Turbo’s’ dream would be to race in the Indy 500. This is the ultimate race,” said Soren, whose previous DreamWorks Animation film credits as a story artist include “Shrek” and “Over The Hedge.”

“I’m thrilled that the movie has come out as well as it has, and I think it really represents the sport well.”

Added Kanaan who was joined at Studio 1A by three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves and reigning IZOD IndyCar Series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay: “The movie is so realistic to our racing that people who watch it will be blown away.”