Lighting sat inside his trailer at the races. Alone at the moment. Sally did come along, but only because this was one of Lightning's first races where he could not speak to Doc, could not call Doc afterwards, and wouldn't be able to see the old racer afterwards. It hurt a lot. Lightning had dealt with loss before, but nothing like this. Lightning stood up and then Knock, knock. "Stickers." Sally called from outside. Lightning walked over and opened the door. Sally smiled up at him and said "The President wants to meet with you." Lightning nodded, muttering. "Yeah, okay... You coming with?" He asked. Sally nodded with a small smile. So Lighting shut the trailer behind him and headed to the President's tent in the mess of sponsors tents. Security let the racer and his girlfriend inside the tent. The President stood up and quickly asked Lightning how his wrist was feeling. Lightning sighed answering "It's better... Thanks.." The President walked up to Lightning and awkwardly hugged the racer.
"I'll support you anyway I can McQueen. You just tell me what you need, and it's yours." He assured. Honestly, Lightning found it kind of weird. The President didn't seem to really like Lightning all that much before. The President stepped back and continued "I'm serious about that McQueen. You've done a lot for the sport. It's the least I can do in you and your team's time of need." "Um.. Gee.. Thanks Mr. President Sir.." "So.. Under rules I have to ask.. Do you have a coach for the race today and the rest of the playoffs? If you plan to race that is." Lightning nodded and answered. "I do. Leon will continue to coach me for the remainder of the season." "Great, I was hoping you would still race this season!" The man exclaimed. Lightning and Sally glanced at each other. Suspicious.
The President went and sat down in a comfortable chair that spun around on wheels then asked "Mind if I ask you a favor today?" "Uh.." "I'm going to hold a moment of silence before the race in honor of the Hudson Hornet." Lighting raised a finger and corrected "That's the uh.. The Fabulous Hudson Hornet Sir..." The President nodded and apologized. "Of course, that's what I meant. So after that, I am going to have all the racers line up on the sides of the track and let you alone take a lap around slowly in honor of him." "Me?" Lightning asked with a pale face. "I.. I don't think I can do that..'' He admitted. The President raised a brow and asked "Why not?" Sally stepped in answering for her boyfriend. "We are still healing.. Lightning is still grieving and putting him on the spot like that might.." "No, stop." Lightning scolded her. "I can do it, I'll do it." He answered the President. The man smiled saying "Great. After you finished the slow lap, I want you to line back up wherever you qualified in the playoffs as usual." "Yes Sir." Lightning muttered softly. He sounded so broken, so depressed. Sally hated it so much. Lightning wasn't entirely there today and that worried her. This was the first race of the playoffs and drivers tend to get aggressive and rough out there in these races. She really worried about him more than she ever had before. The President then continued "After the race today, I want you to come back here and meet with me and a reporter by the name of Kori. Know her?" He asked. Lightning nodded answering "Yeah, I'm familiar with her work..." "GREAT! She has agreed to do a private interview with you and me about the Hudson Hornet. The world needs to hear his story Lightning and YOU are the obvious person for the job. I want you to make it clear during this interview that I have and always will support team 95 out there."
Lightning's brows lowered as he snarled "But you haven't. You had me wrecked out there multiple times and caused Bobby and Cal to get hurt over some stupid car of tomorrow. You have never been in full support of my team! You've only ever fully supported yourself!" He was angry. The President sighed and replied "I know you are hurting, so I'll let the attitude slide today, but you keep my track clean McQueen. I want nothing but a good clean race today." Lightning snickered rudely because was it not true that the President would rather look good by wrecking racers than have a good and clean race? Lightning and Sally began to leave when the President added "And I would stay away from Tony out there today!.." Lightning stopped and looked back at the President asking "..Why?..." The man sighed. "Well.. He's not very happy with how things went down with his team mate Ghar a few weeks ago.." Lightning stared at the man a moment then nodded and thanked him for the warning before he and Sally headed out of the tent and to the track for qualification...
Lightning stepped out to the track to find some of the cup racers lined up outside his pits. Lightning stood there a moment, unsure what to do. There was Cal, Junior, Bobby, Lee, Kevin and even Rudy. Lightning stood there and asked "What's going on?.." The racers all took their hats off and Cal spoke up saying "We want you to know we are sorry for your loss Light.. That.. Some of us truly know how it feels to lose someone close.." Junior nodded and added "We all are here for you. We stand with you." Kasey spoke up saying "It takes a great racer to show his face so soon after a death like that.. And an even greater one to come out and race." Lightning felt his heart sink. It was another side to these racers that he had never seen before. A more tender and caring side. Bobby then walked up to his friend and sniffled some as he began to cry a little. Bobby wrapped his arms around Lightning and said "I got your back out there man. I'm here for you." Patting Lightning's back pretty hard like. Lightning broke down a little bit and cried over Bobby's shoulder. Cal walked over and wrapped his arms around Lighting for a moment before pulling Sally into the group hug. Junior walked over along with Kevin who joined in and one of the racers began to say a prayer.
"Lord.. I know we ain't nothin but a bunch of old race car drivers out here doing what the lord has seen fit for us to be doin, but.. times like this can be tough. Please be with us all out there today as we give it our best and.. And Lord.. Look over our buddy Lightnin today." "Wooh!" Shouted Bobby. The racer nodded and continued "You keep him safe and have him your best guardian angel out there Lord. You keep him held together and you keep his heart in the right place." "Yes Sir!" said another racer. "Lord please give Lightnin comfort through this season.. And if he needs anything, you remind him that he's got us. Amen." "AMEN!" "Amen.." Lightning fell apart in the arms of his friends.. Most of them stepped away, but Lightning held on tight to Bobby and let it out. Crying over one of his closest friends hard. Cal patted Lighting's back and said "You come see me anytime Light.." Before he walked off to his own team. The other racers began to head their separate ways as well. Sally wiped her eyes and stood there waiting. Bobby patted and rubbed Lightning's back as he comforted his grieving friend. "It'll be okay man.. It's gonna be okay." Lighting nodded and seemed to begin to calm down after crying pretty well for a moment. Lighting sniffled, took a deep breath and stepped back. He nodded and wiped his eyes saying "Thanks man.." Bobby smiled and nodded saying "Ain't nothin McQueen. You keep in check out there today." "Will do, will do Bobby.." Lighting replied. Bobby smiled a little towards Lightning then walked away to his own crew. Sally hugged Lighting softly. Lightning hugged her closely and kissed the top of her head. That was a photo and scene that would go around the internet like crazy for the next year. Leon walked up to the racer and asked "Are you ready to do this?" Lightning sighed and nodded as he stepped away from Sally. "Yeah.. Yeah, I'm ready, I'm good." He assured. Leon smiled and said "For Doc." Lightning agreed saying "For Doc."...
Lightning qualified for pole position for the first playoff race for the cup. As the President said. Before the race, after the anthem.. He stepped up in front of the cameras that placed him in front of the big screens and spoke loudly into a podium microphone. "Last week.. A great, racing legend passed away.. This has to be one of the saddest announcements that I have ever made. Most knew him as the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, but those close and dear to him, knew him simply as Doc. Doc Hudson.. Touched the lives of many racers, many children and many adults as well. It pains me to have to say that this great man has.. Has passed.. Will you all join me in a moment of silence and pay your respects to the racing driver.. Doc Hudson.." The track fell completely silent for three minutes and twenty two seconds exact. Lightning knew. He kept track of the time. After the silence the crowds of fans in the stands cheered and applauded. The racers and teams all clapped along as well. The racers all lined up and all drove out as usual, but then everyone except for Lightning pulled to the side lines of the track and got out of their cars, taking off their helmets in respect.
Leon spoke through the radio of Lightning's helmet saying
Alright McQueen... This is your moment here. You just keep going slow and steady. They told me to have you take three slow laps.
"Copy that.."
Lightning drove the Bolt around the track slowly three times around as instructed in a means of respect for Doc and team 95. It hurt a lot. The emotions flooded him. He took a deep breath and for a moment. .. The fans cheering and applauding went silent.. The sound of the roaring car engine became more of a fan that helped you sleep at night.. He could hear himself breathe.. He could hear Doc's voice telling him. "Control your emotions... You have to seperate those feelings when you are on the track.. Control it or you will drive recklessly.. That will cause you to crash.. You don't want to crash? Than control your emotions Rookie." Lightning opened his eyes to the green, racers surrounded him. Leon yelled "What are you doing!? GO! Go! go!" Lightning gunned the Bolt down the track after spacing out for a bit back there.. A bit too long really and tried his absolute best to control those emotions like Doc had taught him harder than ever before. This wasn't a game anymore. All of those lessons were for a reason and enough joking around. Lightning had to grow up and take all those things Doc told him seriously now. He had to become the racer Doc was trying to teach him to be...
Lighting and Sally walked into the President's tent after the race to find the President already sitting at a nice table with Hudson Hornet collectibles on it, a large team 95 backdrop and in a big leather chair. Next to it, another leather chair and in front of it was a big and fancy news camera where a camera man was setting up. Kori walked over to Lightning and smiled. "Been a while champ." She greeted. "Just wish it were under better circumstances." She then turned to Sally and gave her an approving nod rather than words. Lightning had to ask "So how is this uh.. Gonna work? You just want to ask me a few questions about Doc's life or something?" Kori smiled and snickered. "Sort of. I'll be asking a few questions, but I gave the list to the President. He will be acting, asking you the questions that the entire public is asking. The fans need to know what Lightning McQueen will do next and how he's coping with the pain of loss. The little people need to know that you are still human, just like them Lightning. Go ahead and take a seat." "You don't want me to change first?" He questioned. Kori looked Lightning up and down. He was still in his sweaty race suit with some slightly messy hair. Kori shook her head and answered. "No. No, the realer the better. Go on and sit down." Lightning glanced back at Sally who gave him a thumbs up and smile. "I'm right behind you Stickers." Lighting sighed and nodded then went over and sat down next to the President of the sport. Kori made sure to let them all know that this was not a live recording and that they will edit what they need to and take as many takes as they need to as well. Lightning took a deep breath and made himself comfortable in the seat. The President looked at Lightning and said "Good race out there. I forgot to ask, how's that wrist doing? Pretty well sense you were able to drive, right?" Lightning glanced at his wrist then answered "Yeah, uh.. It's good?.." Confused a bit. Didn't the President already ask him about his wrist? He couldn't entirely remember for sure. Kori then snapped and got the two men's attention and announced "Alright, we are rolling. So let's try not to waste too much film here. You go ahead Mr. President. Just introduce yourself, McQueen and ask the questions on the paper there." The President nodded, cleared his throat then began.
"Hi race fans.. I'm here today with three time cup champion Lightning McQueen and he just took seventh place in one hell of a first race for the playoffs. McQueen, how did it feel out there today? Winning with an injured wrist and.. After what happened to Doc.. I am so.. So sorry.. Any other driver would have forfeit the playoffs." Lightning sighed and stared at the camera sort of blank like for a moment before answering. "Um.. Yeah, well.. I'm not a quitter and Doc would want me to race. It felt.. It felt good to race out there today. Really uh.. really kept me connected to Doc's spirit." The President nodded then asked "Now.. The fans want to know and I'm curious as well.. What will you and your team do now that Doc is.. Out of the picture? Surely you've made some adjustments and prepared as you have taken new coach Leon H for the remainder of the season, correct?" Lightning nodded, answering "Yeah, Doc actually found Leon and hired him and took Leon under his wing for some time to train him into being the new coach I would need, so.. Leon works well with team Rusteze, team 95, however you say it, um.. I plan to have him stick around for some time. He's a good coach and I mean that. He's very understanding in the situation as well. He's great.. He's uh.. He's great.." The President smiled and asked "How are you coping with this huge loss Lightning? I mean.. You know that I and all the employees here are for you and will do whatever it takes to get Nascar's golden boy back out there in full throttle so to say." He chuckled with that joke. Lightning didn't laugh or anything though. Kori noticed and asked "Can we get a little bit of a laugh in there McQueen? Maybe even a giggle or a smirk?" Lightning looked at her and sighed. "Go ahead and repeat that please." She asked the President. The man nodded then said "You know that I and all the employees here are for you and will do whatever it takes to get Nascar's golden boy back out there in full throttle so to say." He chuckled with that joke once again. Lightning smiled a little and faked a small chuckle.
Kori sighed and said "Forget it, it's fine.. We'll just.. Edit a voice over actor in there to make it sound like you thought it was funny. Continue." Lightning sighed and hated this fake news acting thing. The President went on to ask "Did Doc have any family? Close loved ones that we can donate anything to? To help with expenses, you know?" Lightning shook his head and answered to his own knowledge. "No, Doc didn't have a wife or kids or anything. It was just him. Just him and.. I mean everyone back home in Radiator Springs considered Doc family. He was close to us all. He had.. He'd grown close to most everyone in a unique way and.. I don't think anyone will or can ever replace Doc." "I completely agree with that. Doc Hudson was one of those men that just touched your heart in a special way. What was he to you Lightning? Was he more than a coach? A friend?" Lightning raised a brow before answering with "I'm not sure what you mean by that, but.. Doc was much more than just my racing coach, okay? I mean.. I grew up watching his old races as a kid and my brothers and Father grew up watching him race his last year. Doc was one of the things that inspired me into the life of cars, um fast cars." He smiled a bit. Kori motioned for the camera man to zoom up on Lightning here as the racer continued. "Doc was so much more. He.. He was like a Father to me honestly and.. He taught me about more than just racing, you know? I mean... Doc was a blessing and a curse though. He uh.. When I first met him.. I hated the guy, but.. He really showed me what life was really about and.. I'll never forget that. That and all the.. Crazy race lessons out there. He liked to train me for every scenario possible." Lightning joked and actually chuckled there. "Doc uh was.. Sort of one of those grumpy, old, grandpa type guys that you really only see during christmas time and he smells and no one wants to sit next to him and he'd slap your hand if you tried to take the last beer to." The president laughed and asked "Now is that talking from experience with the old man or a joke. Lightning shrugged. "I.. Couldn't say, but I would never try to touch that man's beer." The president chuckled, laughing at Lightning a little. And for the first time in a while.. Lightning smiled a real smile again. Just thinking back to all of those good, old memories of Doc put that smile on his face...
Lightning and Sally headed to the 95 trailer after that. Kori ran to catch up to them and jumped in front of the couple saying "That was so great Lightning. Thanks for all that story stuff. The fans are going to eat all that crap up." Lightning nodded, replying "You're welcome, but.. That was no story. Doc really was all of those things to me." Kori smiled warmly up at Lightning. she could tell he meant it and that Doc really was so much more than just a racing coach to Lightning. Kori nodded and said "I'm truly sorry for your loss.." Before walking away. Sally grabbed Lightning's arm and lay her head on his shoulder. Lighting kissed her head and they walked to the trailer together. Once inside, Lightning began to unzip the race suit and take off the top half of it. Sally sat down and watched. Lightning took off the top and then the shoes and bottom half and kicked it aside. Sally watched and asked "You going to shower at the motel than?" Lightning paused. Standing there in a no sweat style long sleeve, white top and his boxers. "Uh.. I planned on it.." Sally nodded. Lightning began to think something was wrong so he put on his jeans then asked "What's wrong?.." As he walked over and sat down next to her. Sally sighed and leaned over on his shoulder before answering "We've been so depressed.. I just.. We haven't.. You know, in so long. Are you still attracted to me?" She asked softly. Lightning's eyes widened. "Well I guess it has been a while.. I never really noticed.." He admitted. He then wrapped his arm around his girl and assured her that "Yes, I find you very attractive Sally. I love you and don't ever think I find you unattractive." "But.. Your usually so.. Sexual and now it's like.. There's nothing. Have we reached that stage already?" "What stage?" Asked Lightning.
Sally stood up and explained "The stage where we just start to get bored of each other because there's nothing new for us.." Her voice sounded really painful. Lightning shook his head replying "I don't think so. I think we might be a bit more stressed out than usual and with Doc.. Passing.." He stopped. That was a painful event. Sally sighed and nodded in agreement. "Yeah.. I guess you're right.." Lightning then stood up, walked over and held his girl close to him. "I love you and we will make it through this.. I'm sorry I've been so distant.. I've been.. Depressed and.. Never had much energy lately.. I am so sorry.." "I'm sorry for not thinking about that, about you feeling so.. So hurt lately.. I kind of sound pretty selfish now, huh?" She asked. Lightning shook his head, answering "Not at all. I'm glad you told me and brought this up really." "Really?" "Yup. How about we go to dinner once we are back home and away from all the cameras.. Just me and you up at Wheel Well?" Sally nodded with a smile. "That would be amazing Lightning..." Lightning loved seeing her so happy looking again. Especially after how things had been so awful lately. He would do anything for this woman and yet, here she was asking if he were even attracted to her anymore because they hadn't done anything in.. Wow.. Weeks? Months maybe? Lightning lost track of all the work, drama, fame and things with Doc happening. He lost a lot of time in that...
Lightning walked out of the trailer and headed to the dinoco tent to speak to Cal a little bit before heading to the motel for the night. He noticed Josie. He really noticed her this time because he began to think about how she was spending so much time with dinoco lately. Was she coming back? She was a little old to be a model though, right? Lightning walked into the dinoco tent to see a few of the model girls dressed in their fan tails, blue bikini like outfits then Strip talking to Cal in the corner. They noticed Lightning and Strip asked the girls to give them a minute alone. They walked out and Lightning approached Strip and Cal. Strip asked "How are you doing Light?" Lightning shrugged, answering "I'm... Hanging in there." Cal nodded then complimented "You raced well today." "Not well enough. I didn't win." Strip snickered and reminded Lightning that winning isn't everything. Lightning knew that then noticed Josie walk by the front entrance. "Hey.. Is.. Is Josie coming back to work for Tex or something?" He asked. Strip raised a brow and asked "Josie? Who is that again?" Cal answered for him with "The red head. The one Lightning dated in his rookie year." "Oooh.. Josephine? No, well sort of. Tex hired her for a little while to help teach the new girls how to act, deal with fans and racers and such. She won't be here for long." Strip assured. Lightning nodded and replied. "Oh.. Okay. Sorry, I just. I noticed she has been around a lot." Strip nodded then asked "How is Sally doing in all this?" Lightning stared at Tex then Cal and answered "Uh.. She's doing better than me on some level.. Uh.. Cal, can I talk to you for a second?" Cal nodded, answering "Of course. I'll be back Uncle." Strip smiled replying "Take your time boys."
Cal followed Lightning out of the tent and asked "What's up? You doin okay?" Lightning sighed and just asked it. "Did you and Meg go through a dead.. Uh.. Phase." "What now?" Cal asked with confusion. Lightning rolled his eyes and continued "A.. Dead.. Phase.. You know, like.. No.. No sex for a long time to the point one of you began to question things?" Cal snickered, trying not to laugh then saw the expression on Lightning's face and asked "Oh wait.. Are you serious?" Lightning frowned without answering. Cal placed his hands on his hips and gave his opinion of "It's probably just this.. Doc just passed Lightnin.. And that's hard on you two and especially you right now. What's the problem anyway? Are you guys just.. Not doing it by choice or are things not going... Up? or it's a little dry?" Lightning's brows lowered. "No, we-I.. I don't know. We haven't even tried anything for weeks.. Sally asked me if I was even attracted to her anymore.. I just.. Sex hasn't been on my mind like.. At all lately." Cal nodded then placed a hand on his friend's shoulder assuring that "It's stress. Take a weekend or.. Week I guess because of the season and relax with Sally for a few days. Just the two of you. Trust me, nature will run its course. Everyone has bad patches Light. You two will be fine." "You really think a vacation will work?" Asked Lightning. Cal snickered with a smile and answered. "Oh yeah. It doesn't have to be an actual vacation, but just some one on one time with each other with zero distraction. You two have lost a close friend Light.. It's okay to not want.. To be intimate for a while. No matter what Bobby says. You haven't talked to Bobby yet, have you?" He asked.
Lightning shook his head. "Good, don't." Cal warned. "He's just going to wind up telling you to find someone else for a quickie and that is NOT what the two of you need. Y'all aren't into that sort of thing?.. Are you?" Cal asked carefully. Lightning's eyes widened and he answered quickly! "No! No, not at all. Sally and I do not swing, period!" "Good, I just.. I mean if you do, you do, that's your life, your thing, but.." "No, no we don't.." "Okay.." "Yeah?..." The two friends stood there a moment then Lightning thanked Cal and headed back to the trailer to get Sally before heading back to the motel for the night. He thought about what Cal said. Relax huh? He and Sally were needing that. Lacking that anymore. A real good connection. Lightning had to get that back before they grew any further apart...
Lightning and Sally finished getting ready for bed. Sally began putting a rose like scented lotion all over her legs. Lightning could smell it as he watched her. He got into bed next to her and asked "What if we take that little vacation trip we talked about before?" Sally finished rubbing the lotion around then asked "Do you think now is a good time? I thought you meant like after the season ended." Lightning shrugged. "I mean after next week's race, we could spend the following week up to the third race just.. Somewhere together. Just me and you." "I thought we planned on having dinner at Wheel Well when we get back home." "Well, yeah, but.. I mean is that all you want? You don't want to get away for a few days? Just me and you?" Lightning asked softly. Sally smiled at her boyfriend then took his hands in hers. "I would love to get away for a few days with you Lightning. It has to be after next week's race though so I can get things in order in town before I am gone for a few days. Mostly the motels really." "Great, I can't wait." Lightning exclaimed as he lay down. Sally cuddled up next to him and rested her head over his chest. "I love you Stickers.." She cooed. Lightning closed his eyes and let out a sigh. "I love you to Sally." He began to think about next week. Just the two of them. They did need that time together. Would then be the time to ask her? Should he take the ring with her? He wondered as he drifted to sleep...
Lightning sat in his garage back home. Staring at the still not fixed back up vette he tore up. Just staring at it and thinking. Thinking about Doc mostly. It felt weird.. Bad.. He felt broken and lost without him, but at the same time.. He remembered what Doc taught him, he still remembered Doc's voice. It just really hurt to think about the fact that.. This wasn't a thing for a week or a few days or even a few months. Doc was gone and he was never coming back. Lightning could never just walk on over to Doc's place and visit or chat or get any racing advice.. Life advice... Never again. Lightning walked into the house and Bandit quickly began jumping on Lightning with excitement. Lightning sighed and looked down at the young dog and growled "Not now Bandit, stop." The dog did not stop. Lightning snapped louder with more agitation. "Bandit! STOP!" The dog hunkered down and stared up at Lightning with some slight fear. He was never yelled at like that before. Lightning sighed and knelt down, coaxing the dog over. Bandit slowly hobbled over and Lightning apologized before petting the dog's face. Bandit licked Lightning's hand then started wagging his tail again. Lightning sighed and his eyes began to fill with tears all over again. He sniffled a little then wiped his eyes with his dog drool free hand and stood up. "You want out boy?" Lightning asked. Bandit jumped up and down and ran in circles for a moment with excitement.
So Lightning opened the door for the dog and Bandit shot out into the dirt. Playing and sniffing the ground as if he were on the trail to something. Lightning watched Bandit for a little while then went and grabbed his keys, deciding he would go visit Doc's grave today. "Bandit.. Come on." He called the dog back into the house. Lightning realized he forgot his phone and went back inside, grabbed it then locked up as he left the house again...
Lightning pulled up to Doc's grave in the race car. Another perk of being famous in the small town was the fact that he could drive a race car in the streets sometimes. Lightning stared at Doc's grave through the window of the Bolt. Just Staring out at Doc's tombstone. He finally crawled out the window and walked over to the grave of still fresh piled dirt. Lightning stared down at it. Staring at Hudson's name on it. Lightning knelt down and sat in the dirt in front of it. Sitting quietly for sometime before he finally spoke aloud. "Hey Doc... Feels.. Weird talking to you like this.." HIs eyes filled with tears. Lightning sniffled and wiped them before continuing. "Last week's race was okay. I didn't win.." He stared at the tombstone. Lighting felt a little stupid talking to a rock. It hurt a lot. Lightning's heart never felt this pain and heaviness before. It hurt a lot. His eyes kept filling with tears and rolling down his crimson cheeks. "My wrist is better than last week.." He really began to cry now, breathing heavier and heavier as he gasped in between the sobs and cries. "And Sally misses you a lot.. I didn't ask her to marry me like I wanted to before. I kind of.." He paused and sniffled and wiped the tears from his face. "I took your advice and I'm waiting.. Giving it more.. Thought.. We.. We uh, we're going away next week together. Try to get some time together without all the drama of.. Well everything.." He sniffled and began to calm down. "Should I ask her then?.." He asked the grave, but of course there was nothing but a silence. Maybe a breeze, if that. Lightning nodded, saying "You're right.. It's way too soon.." Lightning sat there. Just staring at the tombstone. Part of him wondered if he were being watched or recorded by a journalist and that angered him a little, but right this second.. He didn't care. Let them see him break. Let them see him fall apart and show his feelings. Let the world see that Lightning McQueen can't handle anything...
Morning race fans! Bob here to be your eyes in the.. Tower? As we start this beautiful day of racing!
Is sure is a beautiful day Bob. I can't wait to see what these cup racers have in store for us today. As you know, we have some pretty aggressive competitors in this year's chase.
That we do. Kasey and Burt are ones to watch out there. They mean to win.
Especially sense for the past four years, we've only had two racers win the cup.
That's right! Cal Weathers and Lightning McQueen who are also in chase this year.
Playoffs Bob. We are calling it the playoffs now, not the chase.
Oh right. Sometimes, you know, I just forget that.
Oh I do know, and I always remind you.
Lightning McQueen sure has faced a hard month this last one.
He sure has, but he did pretty well in the first race.
He sure did.
I'll be honest Bob.. I cried that night when I heard the news. The Hudson Hornet was a great racer and I loved watching him race. I loved watching him coach Lightning
McQueen even more!
I don't think I have ever seen a coach and racer with that sort of connection and Doc and Lightning had.
No sir, not I either.
I shouldn't say this, but I hope McQueen wins the cup. I know I am not allowed to say it, but.. I really do. His team needs a victory like that for Doc.
Yeah, you're not really suppose to say that.
What are they going to do? Fire me?
Unlikely, but we might get our asses chewed. Alright, alright let's see what McQueen qualified for anyway.
And says here he's starting in fourth.
Now this is the playoffs here. Most fans already know how this works, but in case you don't sense rules changed a while back, here's the deal. Sixteen racers get to be in the playoffs by their point count. There are a total of ten races for the cup. The first nine are divided up into three rounds.
Yup.
And at the end of each round, four drivers are eliminated in the chase for the cup or the playoffs as we call it now.
This means for race number ten, there will only be three drivers on the track to race for that cup.
And boy do they get rougher and rougher with the end of each round.
Now this year was a bit different. Lou Bandinship was suppose to race in the playoffs this season.
Yes sir, but after a... Quarrel with team McQueen, he was banned from the rest of the season.
You know his coach is pissed...
Which was a bit of luck for team Rutherford. He was one point out and thanks to that little scuffle was entered by default.
Yeah, I can't wait to see how he races out there man.
Now let's check out our racers and their positions.
So starting up front, leading the pack for the second race for the cup, the second part of round one we have none other than Cal Weathers.
Cal has been running and chasing hard out there this year too, you know he is not going to let just anyone drive by him.
Let's take a look at the rest of the list, shall we?
2. Dale E Jr.
Scruggs
4. Lightning McQueen
Marcus A.K.A The Shockster
Gorvette
Cornfuel
Leadfoot
Apex
Revkins
11. Bobby Swift
12. Ryan Shields
13. Kevin Racingtire
14. Rudy Oaks A.K.A Easy
15. Johnny Blamer
16 Winford Bradford Rutherford
I think Winford will be known here on out as the lucky one.
That's actually pretty funny there. Yeah, that's funny. Let's check in on our racers!...
Sally walked up to Lightning's pits after having grabbed a drink of water. She stared at him. He looked so broken right now. It would probably take a while for him to get back on his feet so to say. Lightning was sitting on some piled up tires, thinking. His eyes were closed and he was muttering words to himself, his knee bouncing up and down quickly. "Stickers.." Sally called. Lightning looked up at her instantly and apologized. "I'm sorry. I was.." "Don't apologize." She said as she walked up to him. Lightning stood up and let out a sigh as he looked over at the pit crew getting finished with set up. "Are you ready for this?" Sally asked. Lightning nodded, looking over at the Bolt. "Yeah.. Yeah, I'm ready." He mumbled. Sally smiled and slapped his ass saying "Good! Go get'em." LIghtning snickered and smiled a little. She had such an odd way of cheering him up, but it seemed to always work. Lightning walked over to his coach, Leon and asked "Everything ready to go?" Leon nodded then pointed out a few journalists and asked "You gonna talk to them later? They won't stop crowding the team until you do. Security has removed them several times." Lightning sighed, replying "Yeah, I'll.. I'll talk to them after the race.." "Fine, but don't forget to. They just want a statement about Doc probably or something." "Probably..." Leon then slapped Lightning on the back and said "Let's do this." Lighting didn't reply, just walked over and grabbed his helmet, put it on and got into his race car...
Winners of part two of round one as follows,
Weathers
2. Jeff Gorvette
3. Dale E Jr.
4. Bobby Swift
Blamer
6. Lightning McQueen
7. Davey Apex
8. Rudy Oaks
9. Claude Scruggs
10. Winford Bradford Rutherford
11. Ryan Shields
12. Todd Marcus
13. Kevin Racingtire
14. Lee Revkins
15. Rusty Cornfuel
16. Darren Leadfoot
Join us next week to see what three racers will not continue in the playoffs...
Lightning hit the side of his trailer hard, BANG! Sally tried calming him down saying "It wasn't that bad of a race.. You're still in one piece.." She reminded. Lightning turned to her and snapped "This is by far my worst season yet!" "I wouldn't say that.. You did win first for the first.. ten races I think and you've won more than half the races in firstr.. You are just stressed out and letting things get to you.." "FUCK!" Lightning yelled as he kicked the trailer wheel, which really hurt, but he walked it off a little. Sally crossed her arms and scolded "That's real mature Lightning... Real attractive. Please, continue to throw a fit.. Makes me really wanna kiss you right now..." Lightning glared at her for her sarcastic tone. Leon walked up and asked "Hey, you okay McQueen?" Lightning took it out on Leon with "NO! I'm not! Ever since you took over for Doc a few months ago, I've been losing!" Leon took a cautious step back and raised his hands a little, saying "I.. I'm sorry. I just.. I just wanted to check on you.." Lightning snickered rudely and shook his head. "Sure you did Leon. You just want me to talk to the fucking press." "I wanted you to talk to them so they would stop crowding the crew and let them do their jobs properly." "Maybe if I had an actual good coach, they'd do their jobs regardless!" Lightning yelled! Sally stepped in and said "Lightning, stop.. It was one race." "It's all the races!" He yelled at her! Sally just stared. She honestly wasn't sure how to handle when he was this frustrated and angry.
Lightning took a deep breath then stared at Leon and apologized. "I'm sorry.. I'm not.. I'm not myself right now.." He admitted. Leon nodded. "I understand.. I'll go.. See you next week Lightning.." And Leon walked away. Sally walked up to Lightning and scolded. "You have to get your emotions in check Lightning.. You act like that while you're driving and you could crash, hard.." Lighting rubbed his head due to the headache coming on. "I'm fine. I won't crash." "You've said that before and you have!" Sally reminded in fear. Lightning sighed, replying "I won't crash like that!" He corrected. "I know what I'm doing. Doc told me what to do.." Sally stared at her boyfriend. She was just concerned for his safety and mental health right now. "I know Stickers.." She replied softly then wrapped her arms around him, but quickly pulled back and stepped away. "Oh wow." She huffed as she held her nose close. "You smell awful." Lightning snickered and smiled. "Awe.. You don't want a hug now?" Sally shook her head. Lightning walked closer and reached for her saying "But now I kind of want to kiss you." "Not smelling like that!" Sally yelped and stepped another foot back. Lighting grabbed her hand and pulled her closer to him. Sally pushed away and yelped playfully "No! Stop! You stink so bad!" Lightning only held her close and pulled her backside against his front. Her ass pressed against him and suddenly froze and asked "Race suit feels a little thin down there Light.." Lightning kissed her on the back of her neck and growled "I know. I can't help myself with you." Right into her ear. It made her body melt, made her wet between her thighs. If he hadn't smelled of sweat and oil, she would have pulled him into that trailer right then and there and fucked him like there was no tomorrow. Sally moaned slightly as she quietly called him the name "Lightning..." "Hmmm?" "... Go shower.." she whispered. Lightning snapped his head back and sighed then let her go. "Fine." He griped then walked into his trailer to grab some clothes and towels before heading to the showers at the track...
