What international racing event forms the centerpiece of Pixar’s Cars 2?

The World Grand Prix forms the centerpiece of Pixar’s Cars 2.

The event is a three-race international competition created by Sir Miles Axlerod to promote Allinol, a supposedly clean alternative fuel. Lightning McQueen competes for the United States, racing in locations that include Tokyo, Porto Corsa, and London.

The World Grand Prix also provides the cover for the film’s espionage plot. Mater is pulled into the investigation after being mistaken for an American agent, while Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell pursue evidence of sabotage and a larger conspiracy.

The Piston Cup is the major championship associated with the first Cars film, and the Florida 500 is the climactic race in Cars 3. Neither is the international event in Cars 2, making the film’s title and locations important clues.