Mater is a tow-truck that lives in Radiator Springs, a town on Route 66. One day he decided to visit where his friend, Lightning lives, in California. He wanted to see Lightning, and meet all of his California friends.

He was driving along Route 66, when he realized he didn't know where he was. He was looking around for someone to ask for directions, when he saw a car waaaaaaaaay off in the distance, who looked like he was stuck in the mud.

Mater raced off to help him. The car was huge, red, and Mater recognized him by the picture of his friend on his sides. It was Max.

"I'll help you, buddy! I'm tow Mater!" So he hooked himself up to Max, and strained to pull him out of the mud. When Max was finally safe and unstuck, Mater decided to ask for directions.

"Have you seen Lightning?" Mater asked. Max thought for a bit.

"No. I haven't seen Lightning." Mater was sad to hear it.

"You haven't seen Lightning?" He asked sadly.

"Ohhhhhh." Said Max. "You mean Lightning McQueen? Yeah, he's in my trunk." Mater gasped in horror.

"WHAT! You ATE him?" Asked Mater, wide-eyed, and frightened. DON'T WORRY LIGHTNING!" He shouted, as though, if Lightning had been eaten, he could hear him. "I'LL SAVE YOU!"

"I'm ok, Mater." Said a familiar voice, and Lightning McQueen slid out of Max's trunk. "Max is taking me to the Piston Cup!"

"Piston Cup?" Said Mater. "Didn't Doc win three Piston Cups?"

"Yes, he did." Said Lightning, then changed the subject. "So, how is Doc? And Sally? And everyone else?"

"They're fine." Answered Mater.

"Good." Said Lightning, and Mater joined him in Max's trunk, and they both went to the Piston Cup.

(Back in Radiator Springs)

"Sally!" Called Doc, back in Radiator Springs. "Sally! Have you seen Mater?"

"No, Doc. But Lightning went to the Piston Cup, maybe Mater went with him.

"Mater? PISTON CUP! Oh no!"

(Piston Cup)

"I am speed." Lightning reminded himself as he prepared for the race. "One winner, ten losers. Ok. Let's do this." Mater cheered him on from the stands, as he and Thunder fought to win the Piston Cup. Thunder was ahead of Lightning, so far ahead. There was no way Lightning could catch up.

Lightning floored it, but Thunder was so far ahead. Lightning had practically lost the race. Mater sighed, sadly.

Then, right before the finish line, JUST in front of it, Thunder's tire blew out. And Lightning passed him by, and won the Piston Cup.