"And then he hung up.", Lightning closed his story. He and Mater were on their way to Flo's for breakfast. The racer almost didn't sleep last night. His thoughts were too loud, too busy with the things that could happen to his friends. He looked accordingly. His eyes red and still wearing the clothes from yesterday. Normally, he would never do that but at these times he didn't care.
"And ya don't know who he is?"
Lightning shook his head. "I only know that he is another racer from the Position Cup. I noticed his voice."
"Another racer! Shoot, we'd watch every interview to find out!", Mater was wired.
Lightning stopped. "No, we don't have time for that! I have to train hard if I wanna beat him. He must be good if he challenges me."
"I wonder who he is", murmured Mater, lost in thoughts.
"You need to help me, Mater."
"What!? Me? Why me?" The man from the tow service looked at him confused.
"You're the best coach in the world. C'mon I need you now. You're the only one of my closest friends left."
Mater smiled softly. "Aww that's cute, buddy. Of course I help you. Let's go!"
He grabbed Lightning's arm and headed towards the garage where the red stock car was.
"Mater! What about breakfast?"
"Ya wanna win?"
"Yes, but-"
"Then let's go!"
Lightning sighed and followed his best friend. All right. No breakfast, focus.
They drove to Willy's Butte. It looked quite interesting, a shiny race car guided by a rusty tow truck. But for them it was normal. They were the best friends and Mater thought, if cars where real - his truck and Lightning's car would be best friends as well.
Lightning raced the rounds Doc had shown him. Lap for lap he tried to get more speed, challenged his car to the limit.
Mater stood aside, a stop watch in his big hand to record the speed of his best friend. He sat on the bed of his truck, didn't care about the dirt on his overall.
"Yeehaw! If you race like this, this evil guy doesn't even wanna start his engine!", he shouted as McQueen took the next curve.
At lunch they had a break and Guido and Luigi brought them some sandwiches. They stayed a while to watch Lightning race but then they had to go back to their shop. It was quite a busy day in Radiator Springs. Some customers came and watched from afar. The two friends spended the whole day on the track, didn't even stop when it started to rain. It soaked into the soil and made everything muddy. But that was only a better challenge. Lightning pushed the pedal and the car soon got brown. Mud splahed onto the red paint and the rain ran off the windshield. Lightning smiled. It was great! The engine roared and he brought the speed up to the limit one last time.
Which a drift he stopped right in front of Mater and made a donut. At least he tried, the ground was too slippy.
Mater smiled his widest smile. "That was the best ever, pal!"
"Thanks, Mater! It was great, huh? I think I may have a chance to beat him."
"Phew of course ya have! He will only see yer heinie!"
Lightning laughed and for a moment everything was just perfect.
Slowly they drove back, right next to each other with lowered windows. Lightning was exhausted. His cheeks red and his neck sweathy. He needed a shower. Badly. But he was happy. The racing was good, it helped him focus and forget his worries for a while. The warm evening breeze blowed through the windows. Everything was dirty and even the air tasted like that. The rain got less heavy and just drizzled down to earth.
Radiator Springs was empty. Everyone was inside. Only Sheriff was still outside. But he was asleep, kind of lying in his car, which parked next to Lizzy's shop. Lightning smiled at the peacefulness and wished Sally was here. He missed her so much.
"So what now?", asked Mater.
Lightning grunted. "I have to wash my car. And probably change the tyres." He tilted his head and looked to the orange sun. "After that a looong shower and-"
"I can do that!", Mater offered.
Lightning frowned. "What are you talking? I always o that myself."
"But I...", Mater stuttered as he had something on his mind. He seemed uncomfortable. Lightning made a pensive face. "Mater, what's wrong?"
"Nothin' buddy.", Mater said fast. "C'mon let's change those tyres."