In Pixar’s Cars 3, which 2017 race is the film’s climactic event?

The Florida 500 is the climactic race in Pixar’s Cars 3.

The race takes place at the fictional Florida International Super Speedway. Lightning McQueen initially plans to compete, but his sponsor and team later place Cruz Ramirez in the car after Lightning’s training program has not produced the expected results. Lightning ultimately supports Cruz and helps her prepare to race against Jackson Storm.

Cruz’s performance at the Florida 500 becomes the emotional turning point of the film. She proves that her skills are not limited to coaching and that she can compete at the highest level. Lightning also discovers a new role inspired by Doc Hudson: supporting another racer while continuing his own connection to the sport.

The Florida 500 is not the same competition as the Piston Cup championship from Cars or the three-city World Grand Prix from Cars 2. Its name is fictional, though it deliberately resembles real American motorsport events named for states, regions, or famous race distances.