Cars 3 features Lightning McQueen competing in the Florida 500.
The Florida 500 is the decisive race in the film's story. Lightning enters it after training with Cruz Ramirez and confronting the challenge posed by Jackson Storm, a faster next-generation racer. The race becomes a turning point for both Lightning and Cruz.
During the competition, Lightning recognizes that Cruz is capable of racing at the highest level. He gives her the opportunity to take his place, and Cruz wins the event after defeating Storm. Lightning later continues as a racer and mentor rather than simply ending his career.
The Florida 500 is fictional and should not be confused with real Florida motorsport events such as the Daytona 500. Cars uses the Florida race to echo the Piston Cup tradition established in the first movie while moving its characters into a new generation.