Cars is set in a world inhabited by anthropomorphic vehicles. It starts with the latest Piston Cup championship race where Strip “The King” Weathers, Chick Hicks, and Lightning McQueen are tied in the first place. To break the tie, they have to participate in another race to be held at Los Angeles International Speedway in California. Lightning is very determined to win the race because he want to be under the roof of the Dinoco team. Lightning sets off right away to his practice in California with his comrade Mack, a big rig. However, Mack loses him to a gang of street racers and McQueen ends up in the old town of Radiator Springs.
After accidentally wreaking havoc in town, Doc Hudson orders McQueen to leave town right away but Sally Carrera advises that it will be better to make him do community service. While serving the community, McQueen befriends some of the town locals including Mater. He also learns that Radiator Springs is once a popular stop over for cars. In addition, Doc Hudson is a former Piston Cup winner popularly known as the “Fabulous Hudson Hornet.” After finishing his time for community service, McQueen hesitantly goes back to California for his race.
During the race proper, McQueen seems to be distracted and lost his head in the game. Fortunately, Doc Hudson and some of his friends from Radiator Springs come to help him win the race. Before the end of the race, Hicks causes Weathers an accident and McQueen helps the injured race car finish the race next to Hicks. Because of this, the audience praises McQueen for his sportsmanship. The movie ends with Lightning McQueen retaining his friend from Radiator Springs as his race crew.