Cars 3 is the Pixar Cars film set mainly during Lightning McQueen's comeback training.
After Jackson Storm becomes the dominant new racer, Lightning McQueen works with trainer Cruz Ramirez to rebuild his speed and confidence. Their training includes exercises at the Rust-eze Racing Center, a demolition derby, and time spent at the Thomasville dirt track.
The film's central conflict is about adapting to technological change while preserving experience and personal identity. Lightning initially wants to defeat Storm himself, but his partnership with Cruz leads to a broader understanding of what makes a champion.
Cars 3 was released in 2017 and was directed by Brian Fee. It is distinct from the original Cars, which centers on McQueen's stay in Radiator Springs, and Cars 2, which follows the World Grand Prix and an international spy plot.