Lightning McQueen was fast, but sometimes it takes more than just speed to win a race.β
To find out if McQueen has what it takes to become a real champion, Buckle your seat belts, and start your engines, cause it's go time.β
It was the final race of the season, and Lightning McQueen was in the lead.βGood job!β
It looked like he was about to become the first rookie to ever win the Piston Cup.β
There was just one problem. He wouldn't listen to his pit crew.β
We need tires now! Come on!β
McQueen yelled. No, no, no, no, no tires, just gas!β
Then he roared back onto the track.β
Checkered flag! Here I come!β
But he should have listened, because on the final turn, his rear tires blew out.β
As McQueen desperately lunged for the finish line, his two top competitors, the King and Chick Hicks Caught up with him.βCome on.β
It was a photo finish and a three way tie.β
It was decided that a tiebreaker race would be held in California in one week.β
So, McQueen climbed into his trailer and set off with his driver Mac.β
California, here we come.β
Later, after many hours of driving, a weary Mac started to pull off the road.β
Just stop it off for a quick breather, kid. Old Mac needs a rest.β
But McQueen wanted to be the first one to California.β
Absolutely not! We're driving straight through all night till we get to California. We agreed to it.β
Poor Mac kept driving. Mack went to sleep in the trailer. Mack tried to stay awake, but he was exhausted.βAs he started to doze off, some road pranksters began tossing him back and forth across the lanes.βIn the josling, the trailer door accidentally open.β
When one of the pranksters sneezed, Mac was startled awake, causing McQueen to slip off the wrap of the trailer.β Into the middle of the oncoming traffic.βJolted awake, McQueen looked everywhere for his driver.β
Mac, Mac, Mac, wait for me!β
He followed a truck off the interstate, but it wasn't Mac.βConfused and lost, McQueen zoomed past a sign that read Radiator Springs, when a police cruiser turned on its siren.βOh, no.β
As McQueen slowed down, Sheriff's car backfired. McQueen mistook the sound.β
He shooting at me. Why is he shooting at me?β
Terrified, he zoomed into the little town of Radiator Springs, where he lost control and crashed into just about everything.βHe even got tangled with the town statue and dragged it down the road.β
When it was all over, McQueen was dangling upside down, caught in cotton telephone wires, and the road was ruined.βSheriff glared at him. Boy, you're in a heap of trouble.β
The next morning, McQueen awoke to find himself being greeted by a rusty old tow truck.β
Morning, sleepy beauty. Huh?β
Take whatever you want, just don't hurt me.β
McQueen tried to race away, but he couldn't move. The town had put a parking boot on his tire.β
The tow truck smiled. Here, buddy. I like you already. My name is Mater. Wha- wha- Mater? Yeah, like "tomater", but without the "to".β
Just then, Sheriff rolled up. What did I tell you about talking to the accused?βTo not to.β
Well, quit your yapping and tow this delinquent road hazard to traffic court.β
The next thing McQueen knew, he was in a courtroom filled with angry townsfolk.β
Sheriff spoke, Anyone wanna be his lawyer?β
Mayor volunteered, I'll do it, Sheriff.β
Just then, the doors burst open. All rise, the honorable Doc Hudson presiding.βAn official looking car named Doc rolled onto a lift and was raised to the top of the judge's podium.β
All right, I wanna know who's responsible for wrecking my town, Sheriff. I want his hood on a platter.β
But for some strange reason, after Doc took one look at McQueen, He stopped short.β
Throw him out of here, Sheriff. Case dismissed.βWhat?β
McQueen couldn't believe his good luck. Then a beautiful Porsche entered.β
Sorry, I'm late, Your Honor.β
Thinking she was from his lawyer's office, McQueen interrupted. Hey, thanks for coming but we're all set. He's letting me go.β
But Sally wasn't from McQueen's lawyer's office. She was the town attorney.β
McQueen was stunned when she begged Doc to reconsider.β
Come on, make this guy fix the road. The town needs this.β
Sally told the court that if it wasn't fixed, the town wouldn't survive. And since McQueen was the one that did the damage, he should be the one responsible for fixing it.β
So what do you want him to do? Fix your road.β
Reluctantly, Doc changed his mind.βYeah! Yeah!β
So McQueen was sentenced to remain in Radiator Springs and fix the road.β
Later that day, Doc introduced McQueen to Bessie, a road paving machine.β
So, we're gonna hitch you up to sweet Bessie, and you're gonna pull her nice.β
Wow, wow, wow! How long is this gonna take?β
Well, if a fellow does it right, should take him about 5 days.β
When McQueen heard this, he knew he'd never make his race. As soon as Mater removed his parking boot, he zoomed away, leaving them in a cloud of dust.β
Whoo hoo! Goodbye Radiator Springs.β
But just then, McQueen's engine began to sputter.β
No, no, no, no, no, out of gas. How can I be out of gas?β
Sheriff and Sally caught up with him.β
Boy, we're as dumb as you think we are?β
But How did you...?β
We siphoned your gas while you were passed out. Kachow!β
It didn't take McQueen long to realize that the sooner he finished repairing the road, the sooner he was going to make it to California. So, he quickly set to work. And within an hour had finished the job.β
Just say thank you, and I'll be on my way.β
But as the townsfolk looked at the road, all they saw was a bumpy mess of splattered tar.β
It looks awful.β
Look, Doc said when I finish, I could go. That was the deal.β
Doc pulled up. A deal was you fix the road, not make it worse. I'll scrape it off.β
Hey, look, grandpa, I'm not a bulldozer. I'm a race car.β
Oh, oh, oh, oh.β
Is that right? Then why don't we just have a little race? Me and you. If you win, you go and I fix the road. If I win, you do the road my way.β
McQueen happily accepted Doc's challenge. He felt there was no way he could lose.β
Later, at a dirt track outside of town, the two cars sat at the starting line. The whole town was watching. Luigi, the tire store owner, was the starter.β
On your mark, get set, go!β
McQueen took off like a bullet, leaving Doc sitting in his dust.β
After a few moments, Doc slowly started down the track. It looked like there was no way he would ever catch McQueen, but just then, McQueen, who was heading into a turn, lost control and fell off the cliff, landing in a cactus patch.β
Doc caught up to him. You drive like you fix roads. Lousy.β
After losing to Doc, McQueen went back to repairing the road. He worked all through the night. But this time, he did the work properly.β
When the townsfolk woke the next morning, they discovered a beautiful new patch of road.β
I believe it's like it was paved by angels.β
As everyone enjoyed taking a spin on the new road, McQueen asked Sheriff to escort him to the dirt track. He wanted to get the turn he missed the day before. He tried again and again, but he kept skidding out.βGreat!β
Then McQueen realized Doc was watching. Doc tried to coach him. If you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right.β
But McQueen dismissed Doc's advice. Now, what did he know about racing?βCrazy grandpa car.β
The next morning, McQueen was back at work on the road. All of the townsfolk were so inspired by how wonderful it looked that they began sprucing up their shops. The whole town was starting to look brand new.β
Sally stopped by and said McQueen could leave the impound and stay at the Cozy Cone Motel she owned.β
That night, Mater was in charge of watching McQueen. He took him out tractor tipping, a strange game where you sneak up on sleeping tractors and scare them with a loud noise. When the tractors woke up, they were so startled that they would tip over.β
After sharing some laughs, they headed back to town. As they drove, Mater teased McQueen. You're in love with Miss Sally.β
As Mater continued teasing, he drove backwards. McQueen had never seen anything like it.β
Stop that, it's creeping me out. You're gonna wreck or something. Wreck? Shh, I'm the world's best backwards driver.β
Then, Mater put on an amazing display of backwards driving.β
Wow, that was incredible! How'd you do that?β
I'll teach you if you want.β
Maybe I'll use it in my big race.β
What's so important about this race of yours anyway?β
I've been dreaming about it my whole life. I'll be the first rookie in history ever to win it, and when I do, we're talking big new sponsor with private helicopters.β
Hey, do you think maybe one day I can get a ride in one of them helicopters?β
Yeah, yeah, yeah, sure, sure.β
Mater couldn't have been happier. I knew it, I knew that I made a good choice.β
In what?β
My best friend. See you tomorrow, buddy.β
The next day, as McQueen waited for Sheriff to give him his ration of gas, he peeked into Doc's garage. It was a mess.β
Oh, Doc. Time to clean out the garage, buddy. Come on.β
It was then that McQueen stumbled upon something unbelievableβthree Piston Cups. Just then, Doc entered.β
Sign says stay out.β
You... you have three Piston Cups, you're the Hudson Hornet.β
Doc slammed the door in McQueen's face, but McQueen was so excited, he raced to Flo's CafΓ© to tell everyone. But when he told them the news, no one believed him.β
Then Sally invited McQueen to go for a drive. As they playfully raced up the mountain, McQueen was awed by the beautiful surroundings. When they got to the top, McQueen turned to Sally.β
How does a Porsche wind up in a place like this?β
Well, it's really pretty simple. I was an attorney in LA, living life in the fast lane.β
Oh, you were, were you?β
And you know what? It never felt happy.β
Yeah, I mean really.β
Yeah, so I left California, just drove and drove and finally broke down right here. Doc fixed me up, Flo took me in. Now they all did, and I never left.β
McQueen began to understand how much the town and its inhabitants meant to her. Finally, Sally shared her dream of returning Radiator Springs to its glory days.β
When they got back to town, McQueen thanked her. Thanks for the drive. Had a great time. It's kind of nice to slow down every once in a while.β
A little while later, McQueen came upon Doc racing alone out at the dirt track. He was truly impressed. When Doc realized he was being watched, he left. But McQueen followed him back to his garage.β
Doc, hold onβseriously, your driving's incredible.β
Wonderful, but go away.β
Hey, I mean it, you've still got it. Under the hood, you and I are the same.β
We are not the same. Understand now, get out.β
Doc went on to tell McQueen how the racing world had betrayed him long ago, after he had a big crash.β
Doc, I'm not them.β
Oh yeah? When's the last time you cared about something except yourself, Hot Rod? Just finish that road and get out of here.β
Early the next morning, the townsfolk awoke to find the road finished, and no sign of McQueen. Flo expressed what they were all thinking.β
He's gone.β
Just then, McQueen appeared. Everyone was elated.β
I knew you wouldn't leave without saying goodbye.β
What are you doing here, son? You're gonna miss your race.β
But you know I can't go just yet.β
Then McQueen said he needed new tires from Luigi and Guido, which made them overjoyed.β
We haven't had a real customer in years.β
Next, McQueen got a case of Fillmore's organic fuel, some night vision goggles from Sarge, bumper stickers from Lizzie, and a new paint job from Ramone. When his makeover was complete, Sally couldn't believe her eyes. She knew what McQueen was doing.β
Oh my goodness, looks like you've helped everybody in town.β
McQueen even had a surprise for Sally. On his cue, the townsfolk turned on their newly repaired neon signs. Sally was amazedβthe town was just like in its heyday.β
That night, the townsfolk cheerfully cruised under the new neon glow. Suddenly, a horde of vehicles swarmed into town. A helicopter hovered overhead.β
We have found McQueen.β
In an instant, the town was filled with reporters shouting and pushing.β
McQueen, will you still race for the Piston Cup?β
In the chaos, Mac pulled up and urged McQueen that it was time to go. He tried to say goodbye to Sally, but no words would come.β
She spoke first. Thank you. Thanks for everything. It's just a road. No, it was much more than that. Good luck in California. I hope you find what you're looking for.β
Then, she backed into the crowd and disappeared.β
Sally! Sally!β
As Mac pulled McQueen's trailer out of town, the swarm of reporters followed. After things quieted down, Sally was shocked to learn that Doc had called the reporters to tell them where McQueen was.β
It's best for everyone, Sally.β
Best for everyone or best for you?β
A few days later, McQueen should have been focused, but as he stood at the starting line of the big race, all he could think of was Sally. He snapped out of his daydream to find the race had started without him.β
As he tried to catch up to the King and Chick, McQueen started daydreaming again about Radiator Springs and his drive with Sally. When he snapped out of it, he was heading straight for the wall. He hit his brakes hard, and spun into the infield.β
McQueen was about to give up, when a familiar voice came over his radio.β
Hey, kid, you all right?β
I don't know, Mac. I... yeah.β
I didn't come all this way to see you quit.β
It was Doc, and when McQueen looked toward pit row, he saw all of his friends from Radiator Springs.β
Guys, you're here! I can't believe this!β
That's when Doc took over as his new crew chief. Kid, get back out there.β
Energized by his friends, McQueen pushed hard and was soon back into the race. He was over a whole lap behind. The track announcer called the action.β
McQueen passes them on the inside.β
You're going great, kid, just keep your head on.β
On the next lap, as McQueen tried to squeeze past, Chick bumped him, spinning him around backwards. But instead of falling behind, McQueen used Mater's backward driving technique and zoomed past him.β
Mater beamed. I taught him that. Kajam!β
What a move by McQueen! He's caught up to the leaders.β
Chick was not about to come in behind McQueen. As he tried to overtake the rookie, he bumped into him, causing one of his tires to blow.β
Doc, I'm flat, I'm flat.β
McQueen pulled into the pits, where his friend Guido performed the fastest pit stop ever. With new tires on, McQueen roared back onto the track.β
After a few more laps, the white flag wavedβit was the final lap. Doc encouraged him.β
This is it, kid. You got four turns left.β
The three cars screamed down the track. As McQueen tried to pass them on the inside, Chick bumped his rear end and sent him spinning towards the infield. But McQueen had one last trick up his sleeve. Using Doc's "turn right to go left" move, McQueen shot himself back onto the track and into the lead.β
But as McQueen headed toward the chequered flag, he heard the crowd gasp. Chick had rammed into the King, knocking him out of the race. Up on the stadium screen, McQueen saw the King battered in the infieldβit reminded him of Doc's big crash. Suddenly, instead of crossing the finish line, McQueen slammed on his brakes and went back to help the former champion.β
The King was confused. What are you doing, kid?β
I think the King should finish his last race.β
Then, in an amazing display of good sportsmanship, McQueen pushed the King across the finish line. The crowd went wild, knowing that they were witnessing something very specialβbecause even though McQueen had finished in last place, he had shown everyone what a real champion is made of.β
A few days later, Sally stopped at the top of the mountain, admiring the view of Radiator Springs, when McQueen surprised her.β
I hear this place is back on the map.β
It is?β
Yeah, there's some rumor floating around that some hotshot Piston Cup race car is setting up his big racing headquarters here.β
Really?β
Yeah, well, there goes the town.β
And with that, Sally raced off. After a second, McQueen happily took off after her.β
Yeah!βKa-chow!
Well, that's the end of the road for this story.Β
But if you ever find yourself driving across country, do yourself a favor: get off that big old Interstate and spend some time on the back roads. Who knows? With a little luck, you just might come across a place as special as Radiator Springs.