The Pixar film that introduced Lightning McQueen was Cars.
Released in 2006, Cars follows the ambitious rookie racer after he becomes stranded in Radiator Springs. The story establishes his personality, his rivalry with Chick Hicks, his friendship with Mater, and his growing connection with Sally Carrera and the town's older residents.
Cars 2, released in 2011, continues Lightning's story but shifts much of its focus toward international espionage involving Mater. Cars 3, released in 2017, returns to Lightning's racing career and his response to younger competitors such as Jackson Storm.
Planes is a separate animated film from Disneytoon Studios, set in a world of aircraft rather than being a Pixar Cars feature. The title Cars is therefore the specific answer, not the name of the franchise as a whole or either sequel.