When the scene of Lightning's crash was shown at the Detroit Auto Show to promote the movie, Lightning has his regular racing getup, and some sounds were different (there's a lighter clang sound coupled with a pained grunt as Lighting hits the outer wall). In the actual film, Lightning is in his pre-crash livery during that scene.

Nothing Is the Same Anymore: The teaser trailer promised that life won't ever be the same for Lightning after his accident. The film ends with Lightning choosing to act as mentor to Cruz, willingly becoming what Doc was to him to her. The first movie begins with Lightning in his first year as a racer. In this film, he faces an imminent retirement and tries to avoid it.Chaste Toons: The King (voiced by Richard Petty) and Cal (voiced by Richard's son Kyle) are uncle and nephew.

Take a Third Option: Lightning faces a crossroads in his career where he either has to give up to the next rookie in line like what happened to Doc, or retire willingly and become a mascot for his brand. He chooses neither; instead he lets Cruz take over mid-race to help him finish, resulting in both of them sharing the victory. Wham Shot: The winner board being updated so Lightning's name is right under Cruz's, showing he did win after all and succeeds at Sterling's bet.

Questions, Answers and Comments

In the junior novelization, instead of Motor Speedway of the South, the opening race took place at Florida International Speedway. In other words, the Florida 500 occurs at the beginning and end. Mater wears a hat to every race he attends except the Los Angeles 500, which hints at Lightning's struggle (leading to the iconic crash scene) later on. The primer grey coat that Lightning has for 4 months after being repaired is meant to show how he's become a ghost of his former self. He even looks a bit ghost-like since the grey makes him appear to blend in to the concrete pavement and dark spots.

Bested by the Inexperienced: Non race car Cruz Ramirez switches out with Lightning McQueen and is able to win her first race against a number of experienced racers. Cruz is able to stay behind Lightning at Fireball Beach, Thunder Hollow and the first time racing st the Thomasville Speedway. After she is upgraded into a racer to be Lighting’s sparring partner, she somehow becomes faster and manages to easily overtake him in the last practice race.As per tradition, Lightning gets one from Ramone prior to leaving for the racing center. He gets another in the form of an electronic suit, with metallic gold accents. He gets an even better one in the finale, a dark blue livery and matching decals so he looks like Doc.