The Florida 500 is the race held at the end of Lightning McQueen’s comeback season in Pixar’s Cars 3.
Lightning enters the Florida 500 after a difficult season against a younger generation of high-tech racers led by Jackson Storm. He trains with Cruz Ramirez and returns to compete at the major event, which is held at the fictional Florida International Super Speedway.
During the race, Lightning realizes that Cruz is capable of becoming a top competitor. He gives her his racing position and changes roles, allowing her to compete for Rust-eze while he becomes her mentor. Cruz ultimately wins the Florida 500, providing the film’s decisive handoff between generations.
The race is not the same as the Piston Cup itself, although it is part of the championship season. The film uses the Florida 500 to resolve Lightning’s career dilemma: he remains involved in racing by supporting Cruz rather than simply trying to defeat younger opponents.