In Pixar's Cars 3, Lightning McQueen makes his comeback at the Florida 500.
The Florida 500 is the climactic race of Cars 3. Lightning initially plans to return to top-level competition after a series of defeats by newer racers, but his training with Cruz Ramirez changes the meaning of his comeback. The race becomes a test of experience, mentorship, and choosing a future rather than simply repeating the past.
The event is also important for Cruz. During the Florida 500, she receives a chance to race and demonstrates that she belongs in the competitive field. The film therefore uses the race to complete both Lightning's character arc and Cruz's emergence as a racer.
The name can be confused with the Piston Cup, which is the championship competition featured across the series. Florida 500 is the specific race title in Cars 3, not the name of the overall racing series.