Cars (video game)

Cars is a 2006 adventure racing game published by THQ. The game is based on the 2006 film of the same name. It was released for the PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, Microsoft Windows, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and PlayStation Portable in June 2006, with versions for the Xbox 360 and Wii released later that year. The Wii version includes functionality geared towards its Wii Remote controller and was a launch game for the system. Taking place after the events of the film, the game follows Lightning McQueen as he participates in the new racing season with his goal set on finally winning the Piston Cup. While doing so, he races and trains with the local community of Radiator Springs.

The voice talent returns from the film, with the exception of Keith Ferguson, who replaced Owen Wilson as the voice of McQueen on the PlayStation Portable version. All versions of Cars received mixed reviews. The PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS releases of the game each received a Platinum Sales Award by the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA).

Radiator Springs Grand Prix (Day)

[The story begins with Lightning focusing on the upcoming race, like he did twice in the movie.]

Lightning: [voiceover] I am speed. [Sally, Doc, Fletcher and Ramone wizz past.] 1 winner, 4 losers. [We get another angle of the aforementioned racers racing by.] Okay, let's do this.

[The screen fades from black to reveal the Radiator Springs Grand Prix with Luigi and Guido cheering and Mater announcing.]

Mater: [singing a tune before speaking] Ladies and gentlecars, welcome to the Radiator Springs Grand Prix! And, boy, it's gonna be a humdinger of a race, too! Wooo-oo! Check out them fancy racin' outfits! [Ramone drives towards the start-finish line with Sally, Doc and a British racer named Fletcher.] Yep, we got some familiar faces, and some new guys, too!

Fletcher: I say. Lovely day to rip it up on a small town track, eh?

Mater: And, of course, we got my best friend here too, Radiator Springs' own famous racecar, Mr. Lightning McQueen! [Lightning races into the scene and strikes a pose.] So, let's get this show on the road!

[The five racers take their positions and begin to race.]

---

[After the race, it is revealed that it was only a dream as we hear Sally's voice calling out to Lightning to wake him up.]

Sally: Lightning? Are you in there? Lightning?

[Lightning's Cozy Cone door opens as he mutters in his sleep.]

Lightning: [sleepily] Wha... Downshift... Checkered flag...

Sally: Lightning! Wake up!

Lightning: [wakes up completely] Wha-what? Did I win?

Sally: I think you were dreaming.

Lightning: Oh. Yeah, I was dreaming about a race.

[He exits his cone.]

Sally: You know, I kinda figured that.

Lightning: No, it wasn't any ordinary race. It was the Radiator Springs Grand Prix, and you were in it, and Doc, and Mater was the announcer.

Sally: You know what that sounds like to me?

Lightning: What?

Sally: Sounds like you're ready for some competition.

[She and Lightning drive forwards.]

Lightning: Oh, you got that right.

Sally: Well, today's a great day for it. Doc's looking for you, he want's you to meet him out at Willy's Butte later. And I saw some new cars hanging out at Flo's, maybe fans of yours looking for a race.

Lightning: Wow, sounds like I'd better get busy!

[He drives up towards his hauler, Mack at Flo's V8 Cafe.]

Mack: Hey, kid! You ready to go after the Piston Cup?

Lightning: Yeah. Showtime.

Mack: Well, you said it. Just as soon as you get some practice. [Lightning pouts for a bit.] Well, you've been taking it kind of easy around town for awhile now, so we got to get you back into shape before the new season starts. Besides, they just don't let anybody with four wheels race for the Piston Cup, you know. [Lightning nods as he takes it into consideration.] First, you've got to place in enough races, games and competitions to qualify, then you can go back to the big leagues, alright? So, what do you say? You ready to get movin'?

Lightning: Ka-Chow!

Mack: I'll take that as an "okey-dokey"!

[With that, Lightning begins his 2006 Piston Cup journey.]

Lizzie's Postcard Hunt

[Lightning visits Lizzie in her place.]

Lightning: Hey, Lizzie. Whatcha got there? Ooh, postcards. Old ones, too.

Lizzie: I've been collecting these for a long time, from all the way down Route 66.

[Lightning starts to get a closer look at her postcards, but his rear fender accidentally tips over a sticker shelf, which also sends some Rust-eze cans and pots sliding and a lug nut falling onto a fan, activating it.]

Lightning: [off-screen, looking at the postcards] Wow. Ooh, look at that one.

Lizzie: Some of these go back 60 years. [The fan blows the postcards away, much to her horror. gasps] It's a blizzard!

Lightning: Don't worry, Lizzie, I'll find 'em. They can't have gone too far.

[He starts to hunt them down.]

---

[After Lightning has found all 20 of Lizzie's postcards, he returns them all to her.]

Lightning: You see? I told you I would find them all. Yup, they're all there. You would not how far some of them got!

Lizzie: Who are you?

Lightning: Uh, Lightning... McQueen? I found your postcards?

Lizzie: Oh. There they are, I've been looking all over for them.

[Lightning is left embarrassed.]

Radiator Cap Circuit

[Lightning stops by Flo's V8 Cafe where he meets up with Fletcher and his colleague, named Gerald.]

Fletcher: Ah, you're the esteemed American racer Lightning McQueen, correct?

Lightning: Um, okay?

Fletcher: Splendid! How fortuitous! My colleague Gerald and I were hoping to engage your attention in a little competitive excursion!

Lightning: [confused] Was that English?

Fletcher: British, my dear boy! We've hopped across the pond to give you Yanks one for, eh?

[Two Spanish cars named El Guapo and Papo arrive. Lightning notices them.]

Lightning: [to El Guapo and Papo] What about you guys?

El Guapo: We have also come for a challenge.

Lightning: Alright, then. Welcome. The more, the merrier.

[The five racers from three different countries start to take their positions to begin the Radiator Cap Circuit, revving their engines while doing so.]

Sally's Sunshine Circuit

[Lightning meets up with Sally again outside her office.]

Sally: Hey, Stickers. I was hoping you and I could...

[She's suddenly cut off when Mia and Tia, Lightning's biggest fans, arrive and see Lightning himself, to their excitement.]

Mia: [off-screen] Oh my gosh! There he is!

Tia: It's totally him!

[They drive up towards Lightning and Sally.]

Mia: Hi, Lightning!

Tia: Remember us?

Lightning: Of course, are you kidding? Who could for... Yeah, you know, I think you look familiar.

Mia and Tia: [in unison, overjoyed] He remembers us!

Sally: [to Lightning] So, aren't you gonna introduce me to your friends?

Lightning: Yeah, this is, uh...

Mia: I'm Mia.

Tia: I'm Tia.

Mia and Tia: [in unison] We're his biggest fans!

[They flash their headlights like they did in the film.]

Sally: Okay. Wow. Well, that's... charming.

Mia: We were hoping, like, Lightning would take a drive with us.

Lightning: Actually, ladies, I don't think that's such a good idea.

Sally: Hold on, hold on. I-I have a better idea. [to Mia and Tia] You girls up for a little friendly competition? Three laps. Winner takes a drive with Lightning.

Mia and Tia: [in unison, excited] Oh my gosh! We're so in!

Lightning: [to Sally] You don't have to do this.

Sally: Don't you worry. I need the workout.

[Flo then appears, joining in.]

Flo: [to Sally] Count me in too, honey. Can't have a girls' day without me!

[The four girls roll up to the starting line to start the Sunshine Circuit.]

---

[After the race ends, Sally meets up with Lightning.]

Lightning: So, how'd it go?

Sally: Piece of cake.

Lightning: Really?

Sally: [scoffs] C'mon. Groupies are no match for the real thing.

Lightning: So what about that drive?

Sally: You just got yourself a date.

Tractor Tipping

[Lightning enters Mater's junkyard, the tow truck taking a nap.]

Lightning: Psst, Mater.

Mater: [starting to wake up] What? What happened? Somebody call the police. [He sees Lightning and completely wakes up.] Oh, hey, buddy!

Lightning: C'mon, let's go tractor tipping.

Mater: Wait a minute, you wanna go tractor tippin'? [chuckles sarcastically] Please. I thought you was-a scared.

Lightning: Me? Afraid of tractors?

Mater: No, a-scared of Frank.

Lightning: Nah, Frank's a big guy. Moves slow.

Mater: I seen him move pretty fast.

Lightning: He moves left, I'll fake to the right. He cuts to the right, I shoot to the left.

[They start to leave the junkyard.]

Mater: Well, alright then, smarty-fenders. What if he comes straight at us?

Lightning: Easy. We run.

[That night, they make their way to the tractor field.]

Mater: [chuckles] This is gonna be fun.

[They start making their way towards the tractors to tip them, while avoiding Frank, who is patrolling the field.]

---

[Should Lightning and Mater get caught by Frank at any time, he chases them out of the field while roaring.]

Lightning: Whoa!!!

Mater: [laughing] Run! He's gonna get ya!

[They race back towards Radiator Springs. You then have the option to try the level again.]

Doc's Lesson: Powerslide

[Doc is seen waiting for Lightning at Willy's Butte, the latter being an hour late.]

Doc: You're late, son. I've been waitin' here an hour already.

Lightning: Sorry.

Doc: Yeah, well, time's a-wastin'. Let's get to work.

Lightning: C'mon, Doc, I still got it.

Doc: So you say. You still remember how to handle yourself on dirt?

Lightning: Sure, sure, right to go left, and this time, I'm not going into the cactus, old-timer.

Doc: Well, we'll just see about that.

[Lightning heads off to start his powerslide lesson from Doc, who observes.]

Doc's Challenge

[After completing his powerslide lesson, Lightning approaches his crew chief.]

Lightning: Whew! Good run!

Doc: Uh-huh. Not bad. That track's only got two turns, though. Let's see how you handle these back roads. You and me.

Lightning: What, me? Racing the Fabulous Hudson Hornet?

Doc: Nope. You racing your crew chief. Let's go.

[Lightning, a little surprised, accepts Doc's challenge and the two Piston Cup racers take their positions in a one-on-one duel.]

---

[After the race, Lightning and Doc roll forwards in a portion of Willy's Butte.]

Lightning: How's that? Okay?

Doc: Ah, that's okay, but you're hanging it out too much, too early on the throttle. [Lightning suddenly stops as he sees someone in the distance and becomes angry.] Hey! You listening to me?

[He also looks at who Lightning is glaring at, and it's none other than Lightning's old nemesis, Chick Hicks.]

Lightning: [looking at Chick at a distance] Whoa, what's he doing here?

Doc: Checkin' out the competition.

Lightning: Yeah, must be nervous.

Doc: No. Just smart.

Lightning: Hmm. You think I should do the same thing to him? Go to his town, hide out and watch him practice?

Doc: You race as well as you run your mouth and you'd have that Piston Cup already. Just don't worry 'bout him. You got plenty of work to do. I'm sure you'll be seeing each other soon.

[Chick drives away after listening to the entire conversation.]

Palm Mile Speedway

[Lightning drives up to Mack in preparation for the first race of the 2006 Piston Cup season, Lightning's sophomore year.]

Mack: Hey, Lightning! You ready for your first big race of the season?

Lightning: Yeah, I'm ready. I'm pumped!

[He proceeds to enter Mack's trailer.]

Mack: Speaking of pumped, if Flo pumps me full of any more fuel, I think I'm gonna bust my trailer hitch! Better hit the road!

[He laughs as they drive off to Palm Mile Speedway. We then cut to an RSN broadcast of the upcoming race with Darrell Cartrip announcing. Bob Cutlass doesn't appear in this game.]

Darrell: Darrell Cartrip here at Palm Mile Speedway for the start of what's gonna be an amazing Piston Cup race season. [We see an image of Chick.] Last season's Piston Cup saw perennial loser Chick finally take first place, but it coulda been last place as far as the fans were concerned. [The camera's image shifts to Lightning.] This season, all eyes are on Lightning McQueen, and I gotta tell ya, after his incredible display of sportsmanship, I know a lot of y'all are goin' to be rootin' for 'im. With The King retired, it's gonna be Chick vs. Lightning this time around. [The image shifts to the familiar grudge between the two bitter rivals.] Chick ain't gonna give up that trophy so easily, either. Lightning McQueen, buddy, you better watch your back!

[He winks as the scene fades to black, then changes to Lightning getting ready for the race with Guido making sure his lug nuts are perfectly tight.]

Lightning: Hey, Guido, all set?

Guido: [speaking complete English in his first lines of the game] Peet stop, boss. [He and Lightning see Chick coming.] Uh oh.

Chick: Lightning.

Lightning: Ah, hello, Chick.

Chick: Check it out.

[He cuts in front of Lightning to demonstrate how he plans to beat him for the Piston Cup again, like he did in the 2005 season, in the movie. Guido doesn't take kindly to this.]

Guido: Ay, fai attenzione!

Lightning: [to Chick] So? Big deal.

[Chick turns to face Lightning again.]

Chick: Well, you know, I just figured you might wanna acquainted with the view. [Lightning just gives him a deadpan look.] Know what I mean? You know, 'cause you're gonna be spending a lot of time behind me... in the race? We're gonna be in the race and I'll be ahead of you and you'll be behind me... in the race! [getting a little impatient] Is it me? Is it, what are we not getting here?

Lightning: [chuckles] You are so driven, Chick. I love that about you.

[Doc appears to defend Lightning.]

Doc: [to Chick] Hey, you! Back to your pit! Stop buggin' my driver.

Chick: [to Lightning] Too bad your crew chief isn't gonna be out on the track to look after his little boy. [He accidentally bumps into Guido, causing him to drop the tires.] Ow. Excuse me.

Guido: [angry] Ehi! Cosa ti prende!

[Chick drives back to his pit to get ready for the race. Next scene, the green flag is out and race #1 of the 2006 Piston Cup Racing Series season is underway.]

Boostin' with Fillmore

[Lightning drops by Fillmore's place.]

Lightning: Hey, Fillmore. What's cookin'?

Fillmore: A new batch of special brew, my friend.

[He presses the brew button and some purple juice is poured onto Lightning's cup. Lightning drinks it and then his rear tires start rolling forwards fast and his exhausts emitting flames, causing him shoot forwards, surprising him.]

Lightning: Whoa, Fillmore! What's in that?

Fillmore: Good stuff, huh? I call it my Super Octane Boost Juice.

Lightning: [intrigued] You think it'll help me go faster?

Fillmore: [chuckles] Only one way to find out, man.

[Lightning then prepares to put his new boosting ability to the test. Mia and Tia drive up to him and are excited to have their drive with Lightning like they were hoping earlier. Fillmore and Ramone also take their positions. Let's go boostin' with Fillmore!]

---

[After testing his new boost skills, Lightning and Fillmore return to the latter's place.]

Fillmore: So, right to go left, right?

Lightning: Uh, yeah.

Fillmore: Whoa. Deep. Well, I think you'll get more outta this than me. So, here. Fill up on this batch and I'll just keep brewin' it for you, free of charge.

Lightning: Really? Thanks!

Luigi to the Rescue

[Lightning visits Casa Della Tires, where he meets up with Luigi and Guido.]

Luigi: You need new tires, yes?

Lightning: No, but I think someone might.

Luigi: Who? Ah! I will sell to them some beautiful whitewalls.

Lightning: Well, I've seen a lot of hubcaps and tires by the side of the road outside town.

[Hearing this leaves Luigi and Guido shocked as they turn back to Lightning.]

Luigi: [gasps in horror] Tires? On the ground?!

Lightning: Do you want me to have Mater pick 'em up for you?

Luigi: No, no, no, no, no, no. Luigi will do it himself. My poor tires. Abandoned. Alone. Dirty! Luigi will go save them!

[He sets out to retrieve his hubcaps and tires from the ground.]

North Desert Dash

[Lightning stops by Flo's V8 Cafe and meets up with Fletcher, Gerald, El Guapo and Papo. They are setting up for their next race.]

Fletcher: [to Gerald, about El Guapo and Papo] Dreadfully garish, aren't they?

Gerald: Positively gilded. Too true.

El Guapo: They are loving my gold.

Fletcher: Now, why gold, my dear boy?

El Guapo: This is all about winning. You cannot take first place if you do not look the part.

Fletcher: Oh, and how do you know you can best us in the next competition?

El Guapo: Easy. I see you have silver on your rims.

[Lightning and Fletcher look at the latter's rims.]

Lightning: [to Fletcher] He's got a point, there.

[Fletcher looks at Lightning in annoyance, then the five racers start to take their positions to begin the North Desert Dash.]

Sarge's Boot Camp

[Sarge is seen waiting for Lightning at his boot camp.]

Sarge: You were scheduled to be here at 01000, soldier.

Lightning: [chuckles] Sarge, I'm not really a soldier.

Sarge: You are now, Private! TEN HUT!

Lightning: Yes, sir.

Sarge: I can't hear you, McQueen!

Lightning: [louder tone] YES, SIR!

Sarge: Better. Now, Doc said you are sorely in need of some formal Off-Road training, and by the looks of you, I'd say he's right. You're in my army now, son, so git down on your wheels and kiss the asphalt goodbye! Let's move it! [Lightning takes off for dirt training.] GO! GO! GO! GO!

[Meanwhile, some SUVs are having some trouble scaling up a hill. They can be heard grunting, straining and even sobbing a little bit as they struggle. Apparently, they don't seem to be strong enough to tackle this training course.]

Male SUV on the right: This is too hard!

Sarge: C'mon, you gas guzzlin' sissies! I know you all got V8's!

[Try as they might, they just can't climb up the hill, apparently not having enough fuel to complete the course, revealing that Sarge can be a little overbearing at training others in off-road drills. The left SUV slides down the hill and ends up on his roof.]

Male SUV on the right: [sobs] I didn't get my latte!

Sarge: Have you ever even been off-road?! I want you to wade into that mud! Eat that dirt! [to Lightning] Now, your first task is to make it around this course, double-time, and clear all obstacles. Do not falter! Failure is not an option!

Lightning: No faltering. Check.

[Sarge rolls his eyes. Lightning then takes on the course in the hopes of being better than the two SUVs.]

Level 2

[After clearing the first course, Lightning meets up with Sarge again, panting.]

Sarge: Not bad. But now, the course is different. It will require different skills. [The scene changes to show the second course, which is a little harder.] You will need to be agile, fit, athletic and adaptable.

Lightning: Ha, you've been reading my press, haven't you, Sarge? Although, you left out sleek, charming and dashing. [Sarge gives him an impatient look.] Okay, I'm going.

[He proceeds to take on the second course.]

Level 3

[After clearing the second course, Lightning pants even harder as Sarge preps him for the third and final training course.]

Sarge: Alright, one last test, and it'll require all of your muscle, all of your cunning. I want horsepower. I want focus. I want ingenuity, agility and endurance!

Lightning: [pants] I want some coolant.

[Sarge isn't having it.]

Sarge: MOVE IT!

[Lightning does so and takes on the hardest of the three courses.]

Sarge's Off-Road Challenge

[After completing all three training courses, a hot and tired Lightning is panting heavily in exhaustion as Sarge paces back and forth talking to him.]

Sarge: You look overheated, Private McQueen.

Lightning: [panting] Yes.

Sarge: Exhausted.

Lightning: Yes.

Sarge: You'd like nothing better than a hot car wash, a cool ration of fuel and a nice shady garage.

Lightning: Oh, yes, please.

[Sarge turns to face him, smirking.]

Sarge: [smirks] Well, too bad! We're gonna go for a little drive!

[With that, they take their positions as Lightning revs his engine. Fillmore, Ramone and Sheriff are also along for the off-road race.]

Motor Speedway of the South

[Lightning drives up to Mack to get ready for the second race of the 2006 season.]

Lightning: Alright, Mack, we got a race to get to.

[He goes to enter Mack's trailer.]

Mack: Piston Cup, here we come!

[Lightning enters Mack's hauler and the door closes, then they set off for the Motor Speedway of the South, which is a combination of Bristol Motor Speedway, Dover Downs International Motor Speedway, Martinsville Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway, pre-March 1997. The scoring pylon is also based on the scoring pylon at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We then cut to the Motor Speedway of the South itself, where the green flag has already been displayed and the second race of the 2006 Piston Cup Racing Series season is on.]

Mater's Backwards Lesson

[Lightning enters Mater's junkyard, where he finds Mater himself, bumper first.]

Lightning: Hey! I'm looking for the World's Best Backwards Driver. You seen him around? [He gets no reply and tries again.] Do you think he has time to give me that backwards driving lesson he promised?

[Mater turns around to face Lightning.]

Mater: You bet your ding-dang bumper I do! [He starts to teach Lightning how to drive backwards and clears his throat.] There's certain rules when you's drivin' backwards. The first thing you gotta do is turn your rear tires like they was your fronts, like this right here. Then, once you're goin' a bit and you wanna head left, all you gonna need to do is turn right. Got it?

Lightning: Oh. I think so. Right to go left. Now, where have I heard that before?

[He thinks for a bit and then begins his backwards driving lesson with Mater. This is gonna be a lot of fun!]

---

[After completing his backwards driving lesson, Lightning and Mater return to the junkyard.]

Lightning: Good race, Mater. Think I got the hang of it?

Mater: You sure do, Mr. Guh, uh, gint... grun, ginn, gint... Mr. Gintil!

Lightning: [confused] Gintil? Mater, what's a gintil?

Mater: It's your name backwards! Hello?!

Lightning: Mater, my name's not... Litnig. You're not so good with the whole spelling thing, are you?

Sheriff's Chase

[Lightning finds Sheriff under a Radiator Springs bulletin board.]

Lightning: Keepin' cool, Sheriff?

Sheriff: Nope, speeders.

Lightning: [misunderstanding what Sheriff said] Yeah, I hate those little buggers, too. Get all stuck in your grill-

Sheriff: [interrupting and correcting Lightning] No, no, not mosqueeters, son, speeders! Got sand in your tank or what? You of all cars should know a thing'r two 'bout speedin'. Wasn't too long ago I recall catchin' a certain race car who tore through my town.

[This makes Lightning remember the run-in he had with Sheriff when he was lost trying to find Mack and ended up stranded in Radiator Springs in the movie.]

Lightning: Right, that chase. Well, you gotta remember, you had help.

Sheriff: Help?! You wouldn't accuse an officer of the law of cheatin', would you, son?

Lightning: Well, there was some barbed wire snagged on my bumper, telephone wires, and that statue of Stanley kind of slowed me down, too.

Sheriff: Why, you're tryin' to tempt me into a rematch, aren't you?

[He leaves his post as Lightning tries to deny any mentions of a rematch.]

Lightning: [in denial] Sheriff, no. Would I do something like that?

Sheriff: I'll take your challenge, boy! Doc just tuned me up and outfitted me with a turbocharger!

[Lightning starts to get a little angry.]

Lightning: Wait a second. You're not gonna bust me for speeding and throw me intro the impound afterwards, are you?

Sheriff: No, sir. Not if you win.

[And with that, they take their positions in a one-on-one duel.]

---

[After beating Sheriff, Lightning does a victory burnout, something Sheriff doesn't like as he, unlike other police officers, doesn't like donuts.]

Sheriff: Just what do you think you're doin', son?!

[Lightning stops his burnout.]

Lightning: What? I thought all cops liked donuts.

Sheriff: [angrily] Get outta here, before I have you picking up trash on the highway!

Lightning: [sarcastically] Ah, c'mon, gimme a little laugh on that. The donuts, that's funny!

[Sheriff doesn't find this funny one bit as he give an impatient glare at Lightning, who eventually leaves, allowing him to resume his duties.]

Sheriff: [muttering] Hot rodder.

Sheriff's Hot Pursuit

[If Sheriff loses a speeder, he stops at his post with his siren light still on, thinking about another tune-up from Doc.]

Sheriff: [sighs] Maybe it's time to go see Doc again.

[You are then given the option to try again.]

Rustbucket Race-O-Rama

[Mater is seen ramming into a set of tires, practicing for his upcoming race at a track called the Rustbucket Race-O-Rama, a track known for its demolition derby type dirt racing. Lightning soon shows up.]

Lightning: Mater, you realize, of course, most cars do not do that on purpose.

Mater: Well, I gotta practice for my race. I'm a real racin' car, now!

[Lightning takes a look at the Rustbucket sign above.]

Lightning: The Rustbucket Race-O-Rama, huh? Lemme guess. Demolition derby.

Mater: Yep, it's my favorite racin' track in the whole world. Well, it's a family tradition! [He shows Lightning someone.] Look, there's my cousin Tommy Joe, right there!

[Tommy Joe, a dirt racer who is one of Mater's cousins, approaches the duo.]

Tommy Joe: [to Lightning] New guy!

[Lightning braces himself as Tommy Joe gives him a hood bump, albeit a little too hard of a bump.]

Lightning: Ow! What're you crazy?!

Mater: [to Lightning] Aw, he just done give ya a hoodbutt. That's Tommy Joe's way of sayin' "hey".

Tommy Joe: [to Lightning] Howdy.

Mater: I got an idea. Lightning! You wanna help us practice for our big race?

Lightning: No, I think I'll sit this one out.

[Mater and Tommy Joe are a little disappointed at hearing this, but understand his case. It seems demolition derby type racing isn't Lightning's racing style. At the Rustbucket Race-O-Rama, Mater, Tommy Joe and the other dirt racers prepare to race. This is a 12 lap race, like the Piston Cup races in this game.]

---

[Following the conclusion of the race, Mater drives up to Lightning.]

Lightning: Wow, Mater, I thought my races were rough. That was... [He looks at Mater's teeth.] You're missing a tooth.

Mater: I am? No, I didn't have no teeth there before. Hey, Lightning, I won you a present! [He gives Lightning a boost tank, which gives him more boost than before.] Check this out. I know how you love this boosty stuff.

Lightning: Wow, thanks, Mater! Hey, look, you didn't have to take all that abuse just for me, you know.

Mater: Abuse? That was fu-un! And besides, what're best friends for, anyway?

Ornament Valley Circuit

[Lightning meets up with four race cars from Queens, named Vince, Barry, Lenny and Sonny.]

Vince: Hey. You're that Lightning McQueen guy.

Barry: [to Lightning] Yo, we're from Queens!

Vince: [sternly] Barry, be cool! [to Lightning] So, anyways, uh, we got a, uh, opportunity for ya.

Lightning: Oh, yeah?

Vince: Yeah. You think you's the best race car around, but, if you's wanna be the best, first, you gotta beat the best.

[Barry, Lenny and Sonny all laugh mockingly at Lightning.]

Lightning: And I take it that would be you's guys?

Vince: [drives into Lightning's face] What, you don't believe us?! C'mon, tough guy, I will throw down with you's, right here, right now!

Barry: Yeah! Throw down, down to the ground, on the road! [Sonny slaps him across the hood. Vince reacts in surprise at this.] Ow!

[There is a bit of an awkward silence.]

Lightning: Okay, guys, no problem. I accept your opportunity.

[With that settled, the five race cars get set for the Ornament Valley Circuit.]

Sun Valley International Raceway

[Lightning enters Mack's hauler for race #3 of the 2006 Piston Cup campaign.]

Lightning: [to Mack] Ready when you are, buddy.

[They set off for the Sun Valley International Raceway.]

Mack: [to Lightning] Cross-country Mack has got your back!

[At the Sun Valley International Raceway, the green flag has waved and the third race of the season is underway.]

Doc's Check-Up

[Lightning meets Doc in his clinic.]

Doc: Alright, time for a check-up. Them new horses get your attention, don't it?

Lightning: Yeah, Doc. This new upgrade feels great!

[His exhausts emit flames as he shows off his boost ability.]

Doc: Well then, why don't you just show this crazy old grandpa car what ya got?

[Lightning, Doc, Sheriff, Ramone and Fillmore get themselves ready for the check-up race.]

Sally's Wheel Well Sprint

[Lightning meets up with Sally at the Cozy Cone Motel.]

Sally: Hey, Stickers. You ready for that drive you owe me?

Lightning: Wheel Well?

Sally: Sure. We haven't been up there in a while.

Lightning: Great. Just a nice, leisurely drive, right?

Sally: Oh, absolutely. Not even gonna hit third gear.

Lightning: Ladies first.

Sally: Okay, if you say so.

[She takes off and Lightning follows. Either way, they're both gonna enjoy this moment, just like they did in the film. The two lovebirds then take their positions to get ready for their Wheel Well sprint.]

---

[Eventually, Lightning and Sally reach their destination.]

Sally: [sighs] Remember the first time we came up here?

Lightning: Yeah. You mean the first time you tricked me into a race?

Sally: [chuckles] I did do that, didn't I?

Lightning: I'll never forget it.

[They look out at the Interstate together, just like in the movie.]

Tailfin Pass Circuit

[Lightning finds Fletcher, El Guapo, Vince and Sonny near the Wheel Well Motel.]

Fletcher: I find the American landscape so myriad in its challenges, don't you? Every turn a bracing a new thrill, every distance a dangerous gauntlet. Don't you agree, my fellow racing aficionados?

Vince: [impatiently] Uh, we gonna race or what?

[Sonny nods in agreement and the racers soon take their positions to begin the Tailfin Pass Circuit.]

Delinquent Road Hazards

[Lightning drives through Tailfin Pass, only to find the Tuner Cars, Boost, DJ, Wingo and Snot Rod blocking his way, being the teenage troublemakers they are. He soon confronts them.]

Boost: [to Lightning, smirking] Sorry, chief. Road's closed.

[Lightning takes a look and doesn't see anything wrong with the road.]

Lightning: Looks okay to me.

DJ: No, he means it's closed to you.

Lightning: [pretending not to hear] What's that? I can't hear you.

DJ: I said it's closed to you!

Lightning: [still pretending not to hear DJ] Nope. Still gettin' nothin'.

[DJ stops his music to have Lightning hear clearly.]

Wingo: He said get lost, pal.

Lightning: [sarcastically] Oh, what, are you gonna slice and dice me with your spoiler?

DJ: [offended] Hey, wait a-!

Lightning: Tell you what, subwoofer. Three laps oughta settle this. Me, you and your little tweeter friends. When I win, you let me pass. [to Boost] Oh, and you can throw in one of your boost canisters. Seriously, do you really need that much boost?

[Boost and his pals look at each other, then pose together as they accept Lightning's challenge.]

Boost: Okay. Let's do this.

[They prepare for a four-on-one race. It's showtime!]

---

[After Lightning beats Boost and his gang, the antagonist foursome slump in defeat as they are forced to open the road for Lightning to pass.]

Lightning: [to Boost] Okay. Boost tank. [Boost reluctantly gives him the third boost tank that will max his boosting ability completely. The Road Hazards just stare at the Piston Cup racer with looks of defeat.] Aw, c'mon guys, don't be so hard on yourselves. You know what? Just learn to relax. Go take a drive.

Boost: This isn't over, McQueen. [to his gang] Let's bounce!

[They drive away, plotting revenge against Lightning.]

Monster Truck Mayhem

[Lightning races to Casa Della Tires in a panic, where Luigi and Guido are having trouble keeping the tires in order.]

Luigi: Guido, how come you no keep-a the tires from falling, eh?

Guido: Non uria a me! Me ha sorpreso!

Lightning: Uh, Luigi, hello.

Luigi: Ah, hello, my friend.

Lightning: Hey, there's these guys in town that wanna race me, and I'm gonna need a new set of tires, so hit me.

Luigi: You want-a the whitewalls, no?

Lightning: No, Luigi, that's not gonna cut it. I think I need something a little bigger.

[The camera pans over to three monster trucks, named Count Spatula, The Crippler and Ginormous. Luigi and Guido shiver upon seeing them.]

Count Spatula: McQUEEN! GET OVER HERE! I WILL FLATTEN YOU LIKE A PANCAKE!

The Crippler: YOU CAN'T HIDE FROM US!

[He laughs evilly as Ginormous roars at Lightning, Luigi and Guido, the latter two revealing that they do have a set of monster truck tires for the former.]

Luigi: [laughs, to Lightning] Do I have-a the tires for you! Guido!

[Guido sets Lightning up with the monster truck tires and he rolls up to the three monster trucks, who brace themselves for the mayhem at Rustbucket.]

Count Spatula: [to Lightning] Oh, yeah, you have the tires, but do you have the mental fortitude?!

Lightning: You're about to find out. [yells in monster truck voice] LET'S DO THIS!!

[That night, at the Rustbucket Race-O-Rama, Lightning and the monster trucks prepare for an even more demolition derby than Mater's race earlier. This race is 12 laps long, like Mater's race and the Piston Cup races.]

---

[After the race, Lightning rolls up to Mater, who is laughing.]

Mater: That was fu-unny!

Lightning: WHAT DID YOU SAY, PUNY TOW TRUCK?!

Mater: [nervously] Lightning, for Pete's sake, the race is over. You can stop your yellin' now.

Lightning: [settles down] Oh, yeah, right. Right, sorry.

Chick's Challenge

[Lightning meets up with Vince and his gang again, with Lenny nowhere to be seen.]

Vince: Hey, look, guys. It's the King of the Road.

[Chick comes into view.]

Chick: Yeah, more like McQueen of the Road.

[Sonny snickers at this.]

Lightning: Hey, Chickster, what're you doing out here, dog?

Chick: Eh, thought I might try out a few things I've learned.

Lightning: Ah, you went back to school? Good for you, Chick. Maybe you'll even graduate this time. Education is so important.

[Chick looks a little embarrassed.]

Barry: He's right, you know. [Vince and Sonny bump him in the hood again.] Ow! You know, I spend a lotta time on my hood and you hit it! [to Lightning and Chick] He hits my hood. [to Vince and Sonny] Watch the hood, okay?!

[Lightning says nothing about it.]

Chick: [to Lightning] Hey, Mr. Educated, you ready to get schooled?

[The two Piston Cup rivals and the Queens racers take their positions.]

---

[After the challenge, Lighting and Chick drive along the road, with the former telling the latter how road races work differently than their races at the Piston Cup tracks.]

Lighting: I forgot to tell you, Chick, the roads out here aren't like the tracks you and I are used to. No, they got these things called "right turns".

Chick: [irritated] Right turns. So what?! Wasn't a real race, anyway! [Lightning just rolls his eyes.] Nobody was here to see it, or watch us, nobody was there, like a, you know, if a tree falls in the forest and nobody, you know, doesn't get heard, does anybody see it? Or, you know, hear it?

Lightning: [sarcastically] Oh, that's right. I forgot. You like losing in front of a crowd. See you at the stadium.

Chick: Yeah, yeah. Right. Yeah, I'll see ya. If you ever make it there.

[He takes off, leaving Lightning confused.]

Lightning: What's that supposed to mean?

High Speed Heist

[Mack is seen driving along the Interstate, humming. Boost and his gang are then seen looking to rob him of Lightning's gear, having been hired and paid off by Chick to do so.]

Boost: There he is. We all set?

DJ: Oh, it's on!

[The Tuner Cars take off after Mack, with Snot Rod sneezing in the process. DJ goes first and makes his way through traffic to be alongside Mack.]

DJ: [to Mack] It's bedtime.

[He plays a soothing sleeping tune.]

Mack: Oh, that's nice.

[He falls asleep. This allows Boost to jump up onto his roof and open his trailer door, spilling Lightning's gear onto the road for Wingo to steal.]

Boost: [on radio] Okay, I'm good! Your turn, Wingo!

Wingo: [on radio] On my way!

[He takes off towards the gear. After going through traffic, he steals Lightning's gear.]

Wingo: Got the goods! I'm ghost!

[He drives away, with DJ following. Snot Rod sneezes as he follows, waking Mack up in the process.]

Mack: [startled] Huh? Wha?! [Boost jumps down back onto the road and follows his gang as he watches, then takes a look inside his trailer and sees that they stole Lightning's gear, and is horrified.] Oh, no!

[He comes to a stop on the side of the road in disbelief, then begins to contact Sheriff about this unexpected turn of events. Lightning's not gonna be happy about this!]

Lightning Strikes Back

[Sheriff is seen taking on gas when Lightning drives up to him.]

Lightning: Sheriff, have you seen Mack?

Sheriff: Oh, bad news, son. He just radioed. He was drivin' west along the Interstate and somehow, a gang of punk kids stole all of your gear from his trailer.

Lightning: [concerned] Is he okay?

Sheriff: Sounded a bit shaken up. Probably feels bad about it more than anything.

Lightning: [relieved] Oh, good. I'm glad he's alright. [realizes] Oh, no, I need that stuff for my next race!

Sheriff: Crazy delinquent hot rodders. Wait 'til I catch 'em.

[An enraged Lightning starts revving his engine to chase the Tuner Cars down, surprising Sheriff.]

Lightning: [angrily, referring to Boost and his gang] That's it. You can mess with me, but you don't mess with my friends.

[He takes off into the Interstate in hot pursuit to reclaim his stolen gear as Sheriff watches, smirking proudly at his heroic actions.]

---

[After Lightning catches the Delinquent Road Hazards and takes back his stolen gear, Sheriff locks the four troublemakers in the Impound.]

DJ: Aw, man, you busted my subwoofer!

Wingo: And look at my spoiler! It's cracked!

Sheriff: You're lucky that's all you got to complain about, son. [Lightning nods in agreement.] We'll see what Doc Hudson has to say 'bout this.

Boost: [in protest] Hey, it wasn't our idea!

DJ: Yeah, some car paid us off!

Lightning: Some car?

Wingo: Yeah, some green race car. I dunno, he had a mustache.

Lightning: [realizing who Wingo meant] Ah, Chick.

[Upon hearing this, he seeks to confront Chick about the incident when he meets him at Smasherville International Speedway, the site of the fourth race of the 2006 Piston Cup Racing Series season.]

Smasherville International Speedway

[Lightning stops by Flo's V8 Cafe, where he meets up with Mack and Doc.]

Lightning: C'mon, I'm ready. Let's go find Chick.

Doc: Hey, save it for the track, son. Just get ready for what's comin'.

Mack: Yeah, yeah. Look, I'm okay now, Lightning. You got our stuff back and Flo's been takin' good care of me. So, c'mon. Let's just have a nice, relaxing ride out to the stadium. Hey, we can even sing together. [singing] Junebugs on the radiator, mosquitos on the windshield.

[Lightning looks confused about this song as Mack scats a little before Doc gives him an annoyed look, making him stop.]

Doc: [to Lightning] This is it. This is for all the marbles. And don't let that stupid stuff with Chick screw up your head. Stay focused and you'll be fine.

Lightning: Yeah, yeah, okay. Alright. Let's go win this thing.

[Later that night, at Smasherville, Chick is driving down pit road when he stops suddenly, seeing Lightning as he passed by, the latter of whom confronts him over the incident involving Lightning, Mack, Sheriff and the Tuner Cars over the stolen gear.]

Lightning: [to Chick, sarcastically] What's the matter, Thunder? Didn't expect to see me here?

Chick: [trying to deny involvement in the incident] What, miss the big race? You weren't thinking of pullin' out, were you?

[Lightning angrily gets in Chick's face.]

Lightning: [angrily] You know what I'm talking about, Chick.

Chick: [still in denial] No idea, actually. [Lightning rolls his eyes in annoyance.] Just looking forward to a friendly race with my good pal Lightning, that's all. It's all about sportsmanship, don't you think? [He acts natural when he sees Joltsen, racer #52, who is Nitroade's newest racer after the retirement of Aiken Axler.] Oh, hey! How ya doin', guy? Didn't see ya. Hey, best of luck to ya.

[The two rivals shoot glares at each other before Chick returns to his pit. We then see the fourth race of the 2006 season in action as the racers have taken the green flag.]

---

[Following the conclusion of the race, we see Darrell Cartrip making his way towards Lightning and Chick.]

Darrell: Well, we're just moments away from the official announcement of tonight's winner, Lightning McQueen, and Chi-

[He gets cut off when we see Lightning and Chick getting into a heated beef against each other.]

Chick: [to Lightning] Oh, listen to this, you got a lucky break and you know it!

Lightning: Hey, listen, Chick, luck had nothing to do with it. I won, fair and square. You know, if you're gonna be a loser, why not be a graceful loser?

[Chick is obviously having none of it.]

Chick: [to the audience] See?! He's changing the subject, changing the subject! Subject changer! He doesn't want to admit that he can't pull that off again.

[Lightning glares at Chick again as Darrell breaks it up.]

Darrell: Hey, hey, hey, hold on, fellas. He did win the race and we have the tapes to prove it.

Lightning: I'll tell you what, Chick, I'll race you again.

[Chick seems to accept Lightning's challenge.]

Chick: Oh, yeah. Okay. Good. How 'bout tomorrow night? How 'bout right here?! How 'bout tomorrow night, right here?!

Darrell: This is incredible! Lightning versus Chick in an all-out grudge match!

Lightning: Actually, Darrell, I've got something better in mind: the Radiator Springs Grand Prix. [Chick and Darrell listen carefully as he makes his dream from the beginning of the game become a reality.] Three races. One in each part of Ornament Valley, and ending with one last Piston Cup race. Can we do that?

Darrell: We can now. [to the audience] Unbelievable! This is gonna be a week of racing like nobody's ever seen! Chick, do you accept Lightning's challenge?!

Chick: Yeah, of course I do! [to the audience] Hey, and all you be sure to tune in to watch me, Chickster, number Eighty-Sixter, win the Piston Cup trophy, for real this time!

[Oh, it's on, now! Can Lightning beat Chick at his own game? We'll soon find out, folks!]

Radiator Springs Grand Prix (Night)

[Mater is on the camera screen, wondering what the red light is for.]

Mater: Hey! What's that red light flashin' in there for?

Darrell: Uh, dude, you're live on camera.

Mater: [excitedly] I'm on the TV?! Wooo-hoo-hoo!! I gotta call the relatives!

Darrell: Okay, lean back, son, so we can start this thing.

Mater: Oh, sorry.

Darrell: Welcome to the charming little town of Radiator Springs-

Mater: My hometown.

Darrell: -for race #1 of the first annual Radiator Springs Grand Prix. Expect some wide-open, off-road action today as the rivalry between Lightning McQueen and Chick really heats up.

[Lightning, Chick, Fletcher, Gerald and El Guapo roll up to the starting line.]

Mater: [off-screen, about Chick] He's the ugly green car with the mustache, right?

[Chick hears that and calls out Mater for calling him ugly.]

Chick: [to Mater, offended] Hey! Who you callin' ugly, spitcup?

Darrell: [off-screen] And the cars are lining up at the starting line now.

Mater: Boy, this here is gonna be some kinda fun.

Darrell: Okay, folks, let's go racin'!

[The five racers rev their engines as Mater and Darrell watch in excitement. Boogity, boogity, boogity! Let's go racin', boys!]

Tailfin Pass Grand Prix

[We see an RSN broadcast of the second race of the Radiator Springs Grand Prix in Tailfin Pass, where Darrell Cartrip and Mater are calling the race.]

Darrell: Welcome to Race #2 of the Radiator Springs Grand Prix, and we're up here in beautiful Tailfin Pass. I don't know, Mater, looks like some pretty tricky roads up here. What do you think?

Mater: Listen, we ain't done had no one fall offa these here roads in a long time... I think.

[As Lightning, Chick, Gerald, Vince and El Guapo take their positions, Chick overhears what Mater said and becomes nervous.]

Lightning: You doing okay, Chick?

Chick: Yeah, 'course I am. Can't get, you know, phone reception up here, that's all.

[Lightning nods in understanding, then they rev up for the race.]

Ornament Valley Grand Prix

[Darrell Cartrip is seen broadcasting the third race of the Radiator Springs Grand Prix, held in Ornament Valley. He is interviewing Vince.]

Darrell: And we're here at the start of Race #3 of the Radiator Springs Grand Prix with Vince, who came all the way out here from... Queens? Is that right?

Vince: Uh, yeah. Hi, Ma!

Darrell: And why Radiator Springs? Did you come all the way out here to race against Lightning McQueen?

Vince: [stuttering] Uh, uh, no, uh, uh, we know that guy, but, you knows, uh, we actually came out to, um, train with Chick, you know, he- yeah. Uh, we figured if you wants to be the best, you know, you's got to train with, like, a real professional racer, you know? So, uh, someone who could win a lot. And, and, uh, uh, yeah.

[He, Barry and Sonny circle around Lightning as they start taking their positions, then Chick comes and winks at Lightning and then they roll up to the start finish line.]

Los Angeles International Speedway

[Lightning drives up to Mack to prepare for the fifth and final race of the 2006 Piston Cup Racing Series season, held at Los Angeles International Speedway, only this time, there's no tiebreaker for the Piston Cup.]

Lightning: This is it, Mack.

Mack: [sighs] Yeah.

Lightning: [concerned] Hey. What's the matter?

Mack: Aw, you know, end of the season and all. I-I'm just gonna miss this, that's all.

Lightning: Ah, c'mon, Mack. You know that a champion has to go back the following season to defend his trophy, right? You and I got plenty more road to travel, partner.

[He enters Mack's trailer and they set off for the season finale. At the Los Angeles International Speedway, the green flag waves and the race is on. Can Lightning win the Piston Cup this time? Let's find out together, folks!]

---

[After winning the race, Lightning is celebrating his 2006 Piston Cup championship as the crowd erupts in cheers for the Rust-eze racer.]

Lightning: Ka-ka-ka-Chow!

[We then return to Radiator Springs, where Lightning, Doc, Mater and Sally are driving along.]

Doc: [to Lightning] You be careful out there, son.

Lightning: Ah, come on, Doc. I'm a veteran of the road now! A seasoned traveler.

Doc: You still don't have headlights.

Sally: Mmm, don't you worry, Doc. I'll take care of him.

Mater: And if he gets stuck again...

Lightning: [to Mater] I'm not gonna get stuck.

[Mater turns to face Lightning.]

Mater: Well, if you do, you know I'll be there to help you out.

Lightning: Thanks, Mater.

Mater: So, uh, where we goin', anyway?

Lightning: I dunno, whereever the road takes us, I guess. It's a pretty big country.

[They look at the road to Ornament Valley as the wind blows. The screen fades to black and the end credits roll. Afterwards, we see Lightning, Sally and Mater continue driving down the road.]

Sally: [to Lightning] Ooh, I almost forgot. Did you pack your trophy?

Lightning: Nah.

Sally: Where is it?

Lightning: Heh, don't worry. It's in a good place.

[That "good place" turns out to be Doc's place, where he stacked it with Doc's three Piston Cup trophies as we hear birds chirping and the wind blowing. His trophy says, "Lightning McQueen, Champion, 2006". And that is where the game's story ends, but the series' story continues in Cars: Mater-National Championship.]