In Pixar's Cars 3, what race begins the film's story?

The Los Angeles 500 begins the story of Pixar's Cars 3.

The film opens with Lightning McQueen competing against a new generation of technologically advanced racers. Jackson Storm's rise makes Lightning realize that experience and popularity may no longer be enough to keep him at the front of the sport. A crash during the race becomes the turning point that sends him toward a new training program.

The race is distinct from the Florida 500 later in the movie. The Florida 500 is the climactic competition where Lightning applies what he has learned and makes a decisive return to racing. Confusing the opening Los Angeles event with the Florida finale is one of the most common mix-ups when recalling Cars 3's racing structure.