In Pixar's Cars 3, the final race held at Florida International Speedway is the Florida 500.
The race is the major competitive climax of the film. Lightning McQueen begins the story struggling against younger, highly engineered racers, especially Jackson Storm. After his training and renewed connection with racing history, McQueen returns to compete in the Florida 500.
Cruz Ramirez becomes central to the race when McQueen changes the team's plan. The contest therefore serves two purposes: it gives McQueen a chance to redefine his career, and it allows Cruz to demonstrate that she belongs on the track. The name echoes real-world American stock-car race naming conventions while remaining fictional within the Cars universe.
The Florida 500 should not be confused with the Dinoco 400 from the first Cars film. The Dinoco 400 is a Piston Cup event, whereas the Florida 500 is the signature race in Cars 3 and takes place at Florida International Speedway.