In Pixar's Cars, the race that determines the Piston Cup champion is the Dinoco 400.
The Dinoco 400 is held at the Los Angeles International Speedway after Lightning McQueen, Chick Hicks, and The King finish tied in the season standings. Because the first race ends with the three drivers sharing the championship points, officials schedule the deciding race in California.
The event is important because Dinoco is the sponsorship Lightning wants most. Winning would normally secure the champion's prestige and a possible move from Rust-eze to Dinoco. The race instead becomes a test of character when Lightning stops to help The King after Chick's reckless move causes a crash.
Chick Hicks wins the race, but Lightning's sportsmanship changes the outcome of his career. The film's ending makes clear that a final result and a champion's reputation are not always the same thing.