The fictional race serving as the climax of Pixar's Cars 3 is the Florida 500.
The Florida 500 is the major Piston Cup event where Lightning McQueen confronts Jackson Storm and the future of his racing career. Lightning initially prepares to race, but the competition changes when Cruz Ramirez takes over his position and competes against the modern racers. The event becomes the film's decisive test of mentorship, adaptability, and confidence.
The race is held at the fictional Florida International Super Speedway. It is not the same event as the opening Piston Cup race, where Jackson Storm defeats Lightning and starts the film's central conflict.
The title can be confused with the Piston Cup, which is the championship series and trophy system rather than the specific race name. The Florida 500 is also distinct from the World Grand Prix in Cars 2, an international competition with separate events.