In Pixar's Cars, Lightning McQueen enters the Piston Cup race as one of three tied competitors.
The championship race takes place at the Los Angeles International Speedway after McQueen, Chick Hicks, and Strip Weathers, known as The King, finish the season level on points. McQueen is desperate to win because he wants the prestigious Dinoco sponsorship.
The race becomes the film's climax. McQueen helps The King after Chick pushes him into a crash, then deliberately gives up the chance to win so The King can finish his final race with dignity. Chick wins the official result, but McQueen earns respect and rejects the chance to leave his new friends behind. The Piston Cup is fictional, although its name and presentation draw on American stock-car racing.