The next day a television pre-roll of Japan,
"Japan. Land of the rising sun. Where ancient tradition meets modern technology. Welcome to the inaugural running of the World Grand Prix." someone said.
"I'm Brent Mustangburger, here with racing legends Darrell Cartrip and David Hobbscap. There's never been a competition like this before." he said while they introduce themselves
The TV was showing shots of the as the racers fuel up.
"First, Allinol, making its debut tonight as the required fuel for all these great champions." Brent said. "Second, the course itself, and it's like nothing we've ever seen. David, how exactly does this competition work?"
"Well, Brent, all three of these street courses are classic round- the-house racetracks." Dave said.
The outlines of three race courses were seen. They're labeled Japan, Italy and England, and are different in shape and size.
"This means that the LMP and Formula cars should break out of the gate in spectacular fashion." Dave said.
Shots of the racers they weave up the track, practicing.
"Look for Francesco Bernoulli in particular to lead early." he said.
Shots of Francesco were featured in an inset.
"And with a series of technical turns throughout -"
More shots of the course, now highlighting the tech turns.
"GT and Touring people like Spain's Miguel Camino should make up some ground but I doubt it'll be enough to stop Francesco from absolutely running away with it."
"Woah, now just hold your horsepower. You're forgetting the most important factor here. That early dirt track section of the course! The dirt is supposed to be the great equalizer in this race." Darrell said.
MGRAPHICS OF THE COURSES now isolate a stretch after the first couple turns, label it "DIRT SECTIONS."
"French Rally car Raoul ÇaRoule is counting on a big boost headed through there." Brent said.
"And don't forget Lightning McQueen! His mentor, the Hudson Hornet, was one of the greatest dirt track racers of all time. In my opinion, McQueen is the best all-around racer in this competition." Darrell said smiling.
Back on the studio,
"Really, Darrell, I think you need to clean your classes. You're clearly not seeing this for what it is: Francesco's race to lose." David said.
At the starting line,
"It's time to find out. The racers are locking into the grid -" Brent started.
Engines rev as everyone got ready to go. Everyone's bright eyed and alert except for Lightning who was in the back of the grid with his eyes closed.
"Speed. I am speed." he started to himself.
Suddenly someone started laugh causing him to open his eyes. Francesco was next to him on the grid.
"Really? You are "speed"? Then Francesco is triple speed." he said and closed his eyes. Francesco. Is. Triple speed. Francesco likes this, McQueen. It's really getting him into the zone!" he said.
"He is so getting beat today." Lightning muttered to himself.
Doc shook his head.
"Don't listen to him kid, I'll admit something to you."
"What?"
"I used to do something like that."
"Really?"
"Yeah, my friends and crew chief thought it was hilarious. But it got me ready and that's all that matters." Then he patted him on the back. "Now go make me proud!"
"You got it!"
The starting lights click down from red to yellow to green. The race begins. Francesco quickly grabbed the lead and pulled away within seconds.
On the pit row - We track past as the various Crew Chiefs on their crash carts bark orders to their racers. We end on Team McQueen looking at the race.
"His suspension stats look good." Sarge said.
"Tire pressure is excellent." Luigi said.
"His car's got plenty of fuel." Filmore said.
"And he's awesome!" Mater said.
In Lightning's pit Doc watched the monitors, saw them approaching the dirt section.
"Lightning! It's time to make your move. Get on the outside and show 'em what I taught you." Doc said.
"Ten four, Doc." he said over radio.
On the track Francesco hit the dirt section and lost all control causing him to a halt, his tires getting no traction.
"Francesco is brought to a screeching halt!" David said.
Lightning skid into view, turning right to go left, passing Francesco, followed by other cars.
"Lightning McQueen is the first to take advantage. And just like that, folks, Francesco's lead is left in the dust." Brent said.
"Nice call, Doc." Lightning said.
"You got it." he said.
He now lead the pack, zooming out of the dirt now starting to relax.
"Who-hoo! Man, McQueen looks happier than a roll bar at a demolition derby!" Darrell said.
Moments later on paved road again the field of cars thunders into a tunnel.
"Everyone's jostling for position as we hit the asphalt again." Brent said.
Francesco crested the hill, in last place then bit down, determined, then chases.
"Francesco lost a lot of momentum in the dirt. He's got some serious work ahead of him if he wants to get back in this race." Brent said.
Various shots of Tokyo as the racers moved through the Rainbow Bridge. Bit by bit, Francesco ekes his way toward the front toward Lightning as a racer suddenly plums wit smoke and skid out.
"Oh! Miguel Camino has blown an engine!" Darrell said.
"Very unusual, Darrell. He's been so consistent all year." Brent said.
Camino quickly pits, passing McQueen's pit where Mater is visible.
At Lightning's pit a car whipped by.
On the track Lightning boxes out Francesco, holds his slim lead, but barely.
"Guys, a little too much chatter. Let's keep this line clear." Lightning said.
BOOM! A racer behind him suddenly expelled black smoke, skids out of control.
On the track Lightning, heard this, is taken aback.
"What?" he said then looked at his mirror for a second.
"Outside?" he continued and drifted outside allowing Francesco to slip past.
"Grazie and arrivaderci!" Francisco said.
"I cannot believe what I just saw, Brent. That was a bonehead move. You don't open up the inside like that!" Darrell said.
On the track Lightning was now playing catch-up again, scowling.
"Stop it, Mater. Just sign off." he said.
Later after the race press conference. Francesco was center stage.
"Francesco, over here! Hey, what was your strategy today?" Darrell said.
"Strategia? Francesco needs no strategy, it's very simple. You start the race, wait for Lightning McQueen to choke, pass him, then win. Francesco always wins. It's boring." he said.
Lightning waited in the wings and rolled his eyes. Suddenly he noticed something.
Mater appeared from a side street, moving toward the pits, oblivious of the press conference.
"I gotta tell you, dude. You were in trouble for awhile. That dirt track section had you crawling!" Darrell said to Francesco.
"To truly crush one's dream, you must first raise their hopes very high." Francesco said as Lightning snuck away.
In Lightning's pit garage Mater looked around for everyone as Lightning approaches.
"Mater." he said.
"Hey McQueen! What happened? Is the race over? You won, right?"
"Mater, why were you yelling things at me while I was racing?"
"Yelling? Oh, you thought... that's funny right there. Nah, see that's `cause I seen these two fellers doing some sort of karate street performance. It was nutso. One of them even had a flamethrower -
"A flamethrower? What are you talking about? I don't understand. Where were you?"
"Going to meet my date."
"Your date?"
Lightning stood there in shock.
"She started talking to me as a voice in my head, telling me where to go -"
"What?"
He was confused now.
"Wait a minute - I didn't screw you up, did I?"
"I lost the race because of you!"
"Well, I'm sorry. I didn't mean -"
"An imaginary girlfriend, flamethrowers. This is exactly why I don't bring you along to these things."
"Maybe if I, I don't know, talked to somebody and explained what happened I could help."
"I don't need your help. I don't want your help."
"Calm down Lightning." Doc said and put a hand on his shoulde.
"Hey, there he is!" someone said.
Then the press found Lightning, swarms him. Mater is pushed backwards as the questions fly again.
"McQueen, you had it in the bag!" someone said.
"Yeah, what happened?" someone else asked.
"I made a mistake. But I can assure you, it won't happen again." he said with a hand in front of them to quiet them down.
Mater took this badly.
"Look, guys. We know what the problem is and we've taken care of it." Lightning said after he sighed.
Over footage of Francesco and various other highlights:
"Lightning McQueen loses in the last lap to Francesco Bernoulli in the first race of the World Grand Prix and three, count em, three cars flamed out leading some to suggest that their fuel, Allinol, might be to blame." Bent said.
Footage of Miles speaking to an aggressive press. He had to shout over the press.
"Allinol is safe! Alternative fuel is safe! There is no way my fuel caused these cars to flame out!" he said.
In the TV studio Darrell, Brent and David talked to camera.
"Well the jury may still be out on whether Allinol caused these accidents, but one thing's for sure: Lightning McQueen blew this race." Darrell said.
Then there was a picture of Lightning crossing the finish line, a look of severe consternation across his face.
"Team McQueen can't be happy right now." Brent said.