Training a Rookie

Chapter 1: Storm's Arrival

Lightning and Cruz were busy training for the next big season of the Piston Cup.

Lightning McQueen is a blue 2006 hand-built stock race car, with the words 'Fabulous Lightning McQueen' on his sides, the logo 'Rust-eze' on his hood, and the number 95 on his rear fenders. On the back, is a sticker saying, 'In Memory of Doc Hudson'.

In his early years, Lightning was selfish, arrogant, and conceited racer. However, after landing in the town of Radiator Springs, he soon learned how to be a better racer, and made many friends, even settling down and living in the town.

Cruz Ramirez is painted yellow all over, with brown eyes, and with a blue sauropod dinosaur on her side, with the logo, Dinoco on her sides, hood and spoiler, along with the number 51, all in blue.

She was originally a trainer, but after a misadventure with Lightning, she soon found confidence, and became a racer herself, and won her fist big race, and won many more afterwards.

After a few laps at Willie's Butte, Lightning and Cruz, the duo headed to Flo's Cafe to rest a bit.

"Great work Cruz," said Lightning, "You beat your best time."

"I did?" asked Cruz, "Wow, that is amazing! I never thought I would do that again."

"Well, that's what training is for," said Lightning.

Just then, a honk was heard, and a rusted tow truck, and a light blue 2002 Porsche.

The tow truck is named Mater, and the Porsche was named Sally.

"Hey guys!" said Mater, "What's going on?"

"Oh, just coming back from training," said Lightning.

"Yeah, managed to beat my best time!" said Cruz.

"Well done Cruz," said Sally, "I just know you're going to do great this season."

"We'll be there cheering you!" said Mater, as he laughed, only to notice something in the distance.

"Hey, what the-?"

It was a semi truck, painted black with blue lining, and parked right in front of Flo's. The back opened, revealing a black race car, very similar to Cruz.

"Jackson Storm," said Lightning.

"So, this is Radiator Springs?" asked Storm, unimpressed, "What a dump."

"Hey!" said the truck, "You know why you're here! You just need to get used to it."

"What are you doing here Storm?" asked Lightning.

"He was found using illegal fuel to win races," said the truck, "So, as a result, he is to train from a professional until he shows real improvement."

Mater laughed, "Serves you right, Mr. Fancy Pants!"

"Who are you?"

"Mater."

"What's a Mater?"

"Nuthin, what's the Mater with you!? HA HA!

"Let's just get this over with," said Jackson, "Where's the track?"

Later...

"DIRT?! WE'RE RACING ON DIRT!?"

"Yeah," said Lightning, "What, never got your tires dirty before?"

"Well, I-"

"Come on Storm," said Cruz, "You'll get the hang of it soon."

The trio lined up at the starting ling, and a yellow Italian car came up with a flag, and said, "Uno for the money, doce for the show, thres for the Ferrari, and quadro to... GO!"

Storm and Cruz instantly took off, and Lightning went at a slower pace.

"Hey, Mater, come with me," said Lightning.

"Oh, sure buddy," said Mater, "He gonna crash you think?"

"Yep," said Lightning, "No doubt about it."

Storm was in front of Cruz, and wasn't going to let it go. When they got to the turn, Storm tried to turn, but he was going too fast, and fell off the edge, and into the cactus field.

Cruz stopped, looking back, and seeing what happened.

"Oh, this I got to see!"

Jackson was trying to get out, but he was stuck.

"Well, seems you can't turn!" said Lightning, "Seems you really fall like a rock too!"

Mater then giggled, as Cruz looked down, and said, "Wow! That looks painful."

"We'll meet you a Flo's!" said Lightning, "You know the spot?!"

"YES! JUST GET ME OUT OF HERE!" yelled Storm.

"ALRIGHT!" said Lightning, "Have fun fishing Mater."

Mater then launched his cable, and snagged Storm's left rear tire, pulling him up.

"I'm startin ta think he done known you was gonna crash!" said Mater.

"Thank you Mater," said Jackson with sarcasm, "Thank you."