Lightning approached Doc at the diner outside. "Mornin Doc." he greeted with a smile. Doc sipped his hot drink and greeted "Mornin." You ready to start more training before the new season?" He asked. Lightning nodded eagerly. "Definitely! What's today? Endurance? Drifting? Speed? I could use a good speed trap." the young man was eager. Doc snickered with a smile and left a tip. "Follow me Rookie." Doc ordered. Lightning glared correcting "I'm not a rookie Doc. Might I remind you I have won a cup now." Doc pretended he didn't care. Lightning was a rookie to him.
Doc opened his garage up and smiled saying "Cleaning." "What!?" Lightning snapped with wide eyes! "What do you mean cleaning!?" Doc walked in explaining "This place is a disaster. Dust everywhere. You are going to take your time and clean every inch." Lightning's brows lowered. He was sort of pouting. "Dust every shelf, mop the floors, organize papers and books. I'm sure Sally's taught you a thing or two in that department." "And do you mind explaining what the heck this is gonna teach me about racing?" the kid asked.
Doc stared at Lightning and smiled. He knew how plus, it would get his garage clean. "Just clean up and come get me when your done." He began to walk out when Lightning stopped him saying "But I have to take Sally to Texas.. I already bought the plane tickets and everything." "When you leaving?" "Two days..." "That's plenty of time." Doc growled then left. Lightning rolled his eyes and stared at the messy garage. He shouldn't have to clean. Cleaning would teach him nothing about racing...
Lightning was working hard. Cleaning. He set down a box full of old car parts when "Hey Stickers." "AAAHH!" He jumped and spilled the box everywhere. Sally rushed over helping him pick it all back up. "Sorry. I didn't mean to uh.. Scare you." Lightning looked at her correcting "You didn't scare me?" Sally snickered a bit and picked up the box. "What you doin in here? I thought you had training with Doc?" she asked. Lightning glared explaining "I did.. THIS is training." Sally raised a brow. "But?.. You're cleaning his garage.." "Exactly! This has absolutely NOTHING to do with racing." Sally watched Lightning start putting away a few things. Doc had a bunch of parts and papers. Lots of old memories in here. "Wow.. Think Doc has a sort of hoarding problem?" she joked.
Lightning chuckled a bit and dusted himself off. "Huh.. Look at this." Lightning exclaimed as he picked up a paper. Sally walked closer and glanced at the newspaper clipping. "What?.." Headline stated something about wrestling moves and the photo was Doc popping out some other racers arm! "What are you two doing!?" Doc snapped scolding. Sally and Lightning jumped a bit and turned facing the older man. "Doc! I didn't know you use to be a wrestler." Lightning joked with a smile. Doc shook his head, rolling his eyes. "Never happened. Press took that way out of context. Besides, that was a long time ago."...
... A long time ago, following right after a great race! "What a thrilling day race fans!" Said the announcer from the wooden box. "Hudson Hornet and Gorge Gusoline are head to head in the final lap!" Hud and Gorge were side by side as they were pushing for that checkered flag! Suddenly Gorge disappeared and with a loud screech! His car hit the wall of tires! Hudson looked back. Concerned and confused. "What just happened?.." as he crossed the finish line. "And Hudson takes the checkered flag folks!" Shouted the announcer. Doc slowed down and parked in his victory lane. Waiting for the tow truck to pull Gorge's car up.
Gorge walked up with paramedics and Hudson quickly walked over asking "Hey, Gorge!.. You okay?" Hudson cared for his fellow racers. Gorge looked at Hud with a frown. He was holding his right shoulder and explained "That little crash was a doosy.. I'm fine but.. Think I popped my shoulder out.." he was in pain but not to badly thnakfully. Hudson walked up next to Gorge and looked at his shoulder. "What if I broke it!?" Gorge whined. "I could be out for the rest of the season!?" he panicked. Hudson chuckled assuring "Now, now. I'm pretty sure you just dislocated it. I can have you fixed lickety split! Might hurt a little though. But only for a second. I learned this trick back home." Gorge stepped back as Hudson began taking his friend's arm.
"Woah.. Hold on Hud.. I ain't ready"- CRONK! The cameras flashed as Hudson popped Gorge's shoulder back in! "There. How's that?" Hud asked proudly. Gorge moved his shoulder in a circle a few times before smiling. "It.. It.. It feels good as new! Incredible!" He shouted. Hudson smiled and began walking away back to enjoy his win. Gorge laughed and joked "Hey! If you ever give up racing, you can always study medicine!" Hudson snickered muttering under his breath "Yeah right, that'll be the day."...
Sally giggled softly "And yet, here you are!" she said. Doc rolled his eyes but nodded. Lightning snickered and joked around asking "You did graduate? Didn't you?" Doc glared at the kid and snapped "You're shoulder looks a bit dislocated there Lightning.." Lightning's eyes widened. "Hey Sally, wanna see me put in a dislocated shoulder. It can be very, very painful." Sally rolled her eyes and laughed. "Alright you two! That's enough. I gotta get back to designing Wheel Well." She kissed Lightning's cheek and joked "Good luck." before heading out. Doc sighed and growled "Get back to work. Meet me at the butte at five." then Doc left to. Leaving Lightning to finish his training...
It wasn't that long and five o clock rolled around. Lightning drove out to Willy's butte where Doc was waiting for him. Lightning parked and got out, meeting up with Doc. Red was there to in the fire truck. He was spraying the dirt and making... Mud? Lightning looked at Doc a bit confused. "You finish the garage?" Doc asked. Lightning nodded. "Learn anything?" Lightning glared a bit and reluctantly answered "Okay.. Well.. Yea.. There were a lot of notes and books and blue prints that.. Could help out.." Doc chuckled. "So?.. What's Red doin?" Lightning asked. Doc let out a sigh answering "Today I'm gonna teach you control." "On mud?" Lightning asked surprised. Doc nodded. The two watched Red finish up then smile and waved before heading back to town.
"Start like you always do right here." Doc pointed out. Lightning followed the old man over to the cars. "Now you listen close. Mud can be dangerous." Lightning was listening but interrupted "Yeah, but.. I don't race in mud.. I'm in the piston cup league.. Asphalt.." Doc glared and asked "Do you race dirt?" Lightning stared a moment before answering "Well.. I guess.. We practice on dirt. Play around really.." he admitted. Doc snickered and continued. "Driving the mud can be challenging, but there are a number of ways that you can make it safer for you and your vehicle. Start by getting your tires properly inflated. Check out the depth of any mud before you drive into it and keep your speed slow and steady. You learn and you'll be able to know the depth just by lookin."
Lightning stared. Was Doc serious? "If you begin to skid, regain control by steering in the same direction as your front tires. Don't forget to call for emergency assistance if you need it." Lightning snickered hearing that. Doc raised a brow and Lightning explained "I don't need assistance. I can handle it Doc." Doc glared but continued. "Engage traction control. you'll need to activate it by pressing a button. Your car is a lot newer and might have it come on automatically in tougher driving conditions. However, be aware that the traction control may make it more difficult for your vehicle to climb out of the mud if it gets stuck. In this case, disengage the traction feature and only turn it back on when you are moving once again." Lightning was getting lost. "I drive on asphalt.." He reminded. Doc ignored him.
Continuing, "Go to the low, you are driving a 2WD, go ahead and move down to the second or third gear. This will allow you to keep a consistent pace across the difficult, muddy road. Switch back to a higher gear whenever you hit more stable roads to lessen the pressure on your engine and wheels. Got it?" Doc asked. Lightning nodded repeating "Traction control, low gear in. Got it." Doc nodded and continued. "Take it easy on the gas AND the brake. Try to keep going for as long as you can by using your initial momentum. Keep a steady, medium speed. If you do need to press the gas pedal, do so slowly to avoid causing the tires to spin out. Also, be aware that you might skid if you hit the brakes too hard. Avoiding any rapid speed changes gives your tires a moment to adjust to the terrain and get a good grip. This is very important."
"The goal is to place your tires in an untouched part of the road or within the highest rut area possible. Otherwise, you run the risk of sinking into lower or deeper ruts or even getting stuck on the middle area between ruts. Avoid the ruts. This is an especially important step to follow if you are driving on a road that is frequented by larger vehicles. You following?" Doc asked. Lightning nodded. "Good. Next one you already know. Turn right to go left. If you slide go with it and turning opposite will gain back your traction." Lightning nodded. This was getting a tad confusing.
Meanwhile, Sally was at the diner and just going over some designs for Wheel Well. She was really hoping to open this Christmas, but it wasn't looking good. Seemed like Hank kept finding more and more problems with the old place at each turn. Flo walked over with a cup of coffee and set it down near Sally. "Here. Look like you could use it." Sally looked up at Flo with a smile and thanked her. "How's the design comin?" Flo asked and sat down with her friend. Sally sighed admitting "Well.. Hank keeps finding something that's old or broken or something in that place.. So.. I don't think I'll be able to open for Christmas." "Well, better to take your time and make it the best it can be rather than have more issues later on. Trust me, mama learned that when renovating this place."
Sally smiled and thanked Flo for the advice. Flo smiled back then asked "So.. Are you still planning on meeting Lightning's family sometime here?" Sally nodded answering "Yep. Hoping Lightning will want to head out tomorrow morning or something. I got the motel covered, thanks to you." She reminded. Flo snickered saying. "Say nothin of it. I would do anything for you baby." Sally giggled and thanked Flo for so much. Flo was truly a great friend to Sally. "What do you think his family is like?" Asked Flo. Sally tried not to laugh answering. "I know he has a lot of brothers and sisters. Texas.. I can't even imagine really. Like.. If they are half as.. cocky and energetic as Lightning? I might lose my mind. Not that Lightning isn't great, but.. He's can be.. Messy.. And disorganized and.. Gross." Flo's expression changed.
"You really have overthought this haven't you?" She asked. Sally nodded with a frown. "Just.. What if they don't like me or.. Think I'm prissy." Flo couldn't help but laugh at that. "Though you can be a little high maintenance.. I think it'll be fine. Lightning doesn't seem so bad. I'm sure his family will love you. Plus, come on.. You have to be the best thing he's ever brought home to Mama. Maybe even the only one, who knows." Flo exclaimed. Sally raised a brow with an eye roll. "I'm sure you are right Flo. I have nothing to worry about." Flo smiled and stood up to leave when Sally stopped her. "Hey.. Flo.. Um.." She hesitated. "So.." She really wanted someone to talk about that rough stuff that happened. Being tied up and then the attempt of Lightning's for anal play, but. Sally's face turned red as she said "Never mind.. Sorry." Flo was concerned, but had customers to deal with. "You call me anytime sweetie." She said before getting back to work Sally just.. Really didn't like being tied up and helpless like that entirely...
"Resist the urge to slam on the brakes if you begin to skid. This will only cause you to lose control faster." "Resist breaking. Got it." Lightning said. "You think you can handle it hot shot?" Doc asked. Lightning smiled answering "Oh please, easy peasy." Cockiness. Doc snickered and stepped back. Letting Lightning take a go at it. He gunned it! Lightning pushed down on the gas and took the first turn, second turn and coming down hard he hit the mud! It splashed all over the car! He panicked a bit as it slid. But it seemed to keep going and then wouldn't turn! He hit the brakes! Doc shook his head and watched Lightning skid it off the ledge and into the cactus below. He sighed and walked over. "You okay?" Doc asked. Lightning crawled out the window answering "I'm fine." The bolt wasn't. "Crap.." He muttered. "What's wrong?" Doc asked.
Lightning looked up at Doc answering "Well.. front wheel isn't connected anymore." Doc glared. "You hit the brakes." "I.." He paused and sighed "Yeah, I hit the brakes.." Lightning admitted softly under his breath. Doc shook his head and held out his hand, helping Lightning back up. "Told you not to just slam the brakes." He reminded. Lightning sighed and snapped "I know, but what does mud have to do with my style of racing! I don't even race dirt Doc! I race piston cup, I race on asphalt!" Doc nodded. "Piston cup started on dirt. You wanna be like the legends, be a real racing champion?" he asked. Well of course Lightning wanted to be that! He nodded slowly. "Then we are getting to the roots of racing." Doc scolded. Lightning sighed with a frown. But with the bolt down, practice was over for now.
"Call Mater. He can pull her out and to my garage." Doc ordered. Lightning nodded but one thing, "I was suppose to meet Sally up at Wheel well after practice.. Working on putting it back together." Doc smiled a little. Lightning and Sally were a pretty good couple as it turned out. "Alright. You go on ahead. I'll wait for Mater." Lightning stood there a moment. "Um.. I'm not walking up to Wheel well." Doc snickered and tossed his own keys to Lightning. The kid caught them and just stared shocked! "No.. Way.. The Hornet!?" He asked with excitement! Doc nodded. "Long as you don't take her through no mud now." "I won't! I most definitely won't!" Lightning said with such excitement! The Hudson Hornet race car! Doc was really letting him take THE HUDSON HORNET RACE CAR! "Take it easy on her." Doc added. Lightning shut the door and just.. Wow. He was super excited to be in THE DRIVER SEAT OF THE HUDSON HORNET RACE CAR! Gotta quit saying it like that. "I'll bring her back spotless!" Lightning assured. Doc nodded and watched Lightning start her up and drive off. Doc sighed with a smile. He loved that kid. And coaching Lightning. That brought him more joy than racing...
Sally sat leaning on her car when she heard the sound of the old Hornet coming up. It parked and she was surprised to see Lightning step out. "Wow.. Doc let you drive his old race car?" She asked. Lightning had the biggest smile on his face as he nodded answering. "YES! Isn't that awesome!? I, Lightning McQueen, have driven THE Fabulous Hudson Hornet's race car! Wow.. There is just no better feeling than driving that thing." It made Sally laugh seeing Lightning light up like a child. "Doc must really trust you." She said. Lightning's smile faded. "Or he's tricking me. Oh fuck.. What if I scratched it... WHAT IF I SCRATCHED IT!? What if he's checking tire pressure when I get back! OR MILES!? I should wash it.. Or not.. What if us a special wax or hot water, cold water.. Does that even make a difference!?" Lightning panicked. Sally stared at him a second before answering. "I don't think so.. Calm down.. It's just a car Stickers." "That is not just a car Sally!" He snapped.
Sally glared at him as he rambled on about Doc's wins in that car. She soon spoke up saying "Okay! Okay, okay.. Look.. It's fine. But.. Where's the Bolt?" "Oh.." Lightning stared at her then faked a stupid smile answering "I sort of.. broke an axle.. It'll get fixed once we're back from the trip." "Trip?" Asked Sally. Lightning's eyes widened. RIGHT! He forgot to tell her already has the tickets. "Yup. I got the plane tickets. We head out in two days to my Mom's." "Lightning that is wonderful! I can not wait to meet your family." Sally replied with excitement. Lightning chuckled saying "I got to admit. I kinda like that you want to meet them. I'm... Actually looking forward to it to." He smiled. Sally was glad to hear that and it really made both of them fall a little more for each other.
Lightning looked over at Wheel Well in it's torn apart state and asked. "Where are the workers and Hank?" Sally frowned a bit and sighed. "I told them to take the rest of the weekend off.. Hank kept calling me and telling me about all of these problems they were running into or things that needed to be replaced or dug up or something. It's no wonder why this place shut down.. It is a huge money pit." Lightning hated seeing Sally down about something she wanted so badly. "Is it a money thing? Because if so, I can help." He offered. Sally smiled answering. "No. It's not the money really. It's just that I got so excited and made plans to open for Christmas and it's like everything is finding a way to stop me. I am so close to having this dream Lightning and yet.. I don't know how on earth it's going to happen." She giggled.
Lightning wrapped an arm around his girl. "I know how you feel. It'll happen. You just gotta give it a little more time and in the mean while, you and I can head back to town and to your motel and maybe watch a movie or something." "You want to?" "Sure. I enjoy snuggling up with my only girl." Sally smiled hearing that. "Sure Stickers. I'll grab a pizza or something on the way. Just please, no more old car movies.. My brain can't take the boring-ness." She joked. Lightning chuckled. "Alright.. But only if I don't have to watch you re organize your office ever again." Sally laughed saying "Deal." Lightning grabbed the keys out of pocket adding "First one to Flo's buys?"
Sally glanced back at the Hornet race car and raised a brow. "Uhh.. Are you sure you should even really driving that?" Lightning rolled his eyes. "I can handle it. Come on before I change my mind and make you watch the documentation of how ford use to use the trees." "Uuughh. No. I'm coming. I am never watching that again. IF I ever die young, it'll be because I died of boredom from you Mr. McQueen." Lightning snickered and opened Sally's car door for her. "Hey, I love you." Lightning cooed. "Love you more." Replied Sally. Lighting shut the Porsche door for her and reminded "Seat belts." Before getting into the Hornet race car and driving off himself.