A New Champion, Chapter 1: The First Race

by A2C2

Although, Lightning McQueen has retired from burning rubber on the track himself, he has not left the racing scene altogether. He is now the crew chief for Dinoco's newest racer, Cruz Ramirez. Starting with the thrill of her first Piston Cup win to the Dinoco 400 race, Cruz will prove herself to be one of the greatest cars to have ever raced!

A New Champion

By Andrew Carleton

Chapter 1: The First Race

It was a warm, sunny day at Florida International Speedway. A rookie car prepared herself. Her name was Cruz Ramirez. She was number 51, racer for Dinoco.

"Are you ready, Cruz?" a voice said. Cruz turned around and saw her crew chief, and former Piston Cup Champion, Lightning McQueen. His dark blue paint shone in the sun. His red wheels contrasted with his paint. His sides read "Fabulous Lightning McQueen" as a tribute to his mentor, the Fabulous Hudson Hornet. Cruz's number 51 was also a tribute.

"I'm ready, Mr. McQueen!" Cruz responded. "Yeah, to lose," a voice said. Then a sleek, streamlined black car rolled up. It was IGNTR's racer, number 20, aka Jackson Storm. He had a blue lightning bolt on his sides. Also on his sides were the words "Piston Cup Champion".

"I beat you in my first race, so what makes you think this time will be any different?" Cruz asked. "Beat me once, shame on me. Beat me twice, shame on you," Storm replied. Then, he drove away. Cruz followed him to the track. Pretty soon all of the racers were in position. The official waved the green flag and the racers sped off.

As the race began, Cruz was in first place and Storm was following close behind in second place. Storm kept trying to pass her, but each time, Cruz blocked him. Lap after lap, the racers sped down the track. As the final lap approached, Storm was getting anxious. He sped up next to Cruz and out of desperation, he started grinding against her side. Cruz pushed back causing sparks to fly from the metal. They were so focused on each other that they didn't notice Nitroade's racer, Tim Treadless, pass them both and take the lead.

Storm was so furious that he rammed Cruz into the infield and took the lead. But, Cruz recovered quickly and got herself back into the race. Soon enough, she caught up with Storm.

"Alright, Cruz," McQueen said over his headset "just like we practiced!"

"Right!" Cruz exclaimed. Then, she gave it all she got and passed a cocky, overconfident Storm.

Storm could not believe what had just happened. The checkered flag came down with Cruz leading… She had won the race! Cruz was so excited that she started doing doughnuts on the infield. McQueen and the other members of her pit crew laughed. Storm, on the other hand, was fuming!

Later, at the winner's circle, Lightning McQueen had the honor of presenting Cruz her first Piston Cup Trophy. Lightning rolled up with the trophy. "Congratulations, Cruz," McQueen said. "I am proud to present you with your very first Piston Cup Trophy. Cherish it forever," he said with a smile on his face as he handed it to Cruz.

Cruz whooped and held the trophy high over her head. She had dreamed of this moment for as long as she could remember, and now, it was happening.