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[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/img_2283.JPG]]
[[caption-width-right:350:There's a lot more to racing than just winning.]]
->''Well, you go through life''\\
''So sure of where you're headin'''\\
''And you wind up lost''\\
''And it's the best thing that could happen''\\
''Cause sometimes when you lose your way''\\
''It's really just as well''\\
''Cause you find yourself''\\
''Yeah, that's when you find yourself''
--> '''Brad Paisley''', "Find Yourself"


* Lightning and Mater are talking about helicopter rides and this little piece of dialogue emerges:
-->'''Mater:''' I knew it! I knew I'd done made a good choice!\\
'''[=McQueen=]:''' In what?\\
''[{{Beat}}]''\\
'''Mater:''' My best friend...\\
''[The two smile at each other.]''
** The entire evening is a big FriendshipMoment for both Lightning and Mater. Keep in mind, Lightning has been completely without friends through the whole movie, except Mack. Everyone in Radiator Springs has largely treated him with (albeit justified) scorn. But Mater? The kindhearted tow truck instantly takes a shine to the guy and hangs around Lightning. Not because of his fame or his wealth (he doesn’t know who Lightning is) but because Mater genuinely likes him.
** Even better, this is the point where Lightning begins to change. The idea that someone genuinely likes and trusts him unconditionally does wonders for his {{Jerkass}} attitude.
* Lightning being appreciative of Mack initially stepping in to be a one-man pit crew for the big race.
** Similarly, how happy Lightning is to see Mack again when he's found. Considering the rest of the scene is pretty somber, it's sweet to see Mack's loyalty finally getting recognized.
** Hell, the fact that Mack let's Lightning's new friends join him as a pit crew during the race.
* When all of the cars from Radiator Springs show up to be [=McQueen's=] pit crew and cheer him on at the big race.
-->'''Doc:''' Alright. If you can drive as well as you can fix a road, then you can win this race with your eyes shut. Now get back out there!
* After the King's crash, when Lightning gave up the Piston Cup to instead make sure he'd finish his last race after Chick brutally rammed him...
-->'''King:''' You just [[HonorBeforeReason gave up the Piston Cup]], you know that?
-->'''[=McQueen=]:''' Ah, this grumpy old race car I know once told me something, [[MeaningfulEcho it's just an empty cup.]]
** Doc is shown listening to this exchange over his headset and [[SoProudOfYou smiles as he hears how Lightning took his words to heart]].
** And after the race is over, the King's wife kisses Lightning on the cheek (or fender?) and thanks him for his selflessness. Owen Wilson's gentle delivery of Lightning's "You're welcome" just sells it; [[CharacterDevelopment there is no way the Lightning from the beginning of the movie would have spoken to ANYONE like that.]]
** A small one, but when Lightning took the lead in the final lap shortly before the crash, the King can be seen cracking a smile, showing pride towards Lightning because he changed for the better (earlier in the movie, he praised his talent, but criticized his arrogance). Also, right before he gets violently rammed by Chick, instead of accelerating and trying to retake the lead, he focuses on blocking Chick and keeping him behind him to prevent him from attacking Lightning. Unlike Chick Hicks, while the King may want to win, he's not at all bothered by the thought that he might lose a fair race.
*** Doc can also be seen smiling proudly as Lightning retakes the lead by drifting in order to get back on the track, knowing that Lightning remembered his lesson about "turning right to go left".
* When Lightning has finished the road and decides to have a shopping spree before leaving.
* Right before he leaves Radiator Springs, Sally thanks [=McQueen=] for everything he did. He responds, "It was just a road," and she answers back, "No, it was much more than that." It contains a double meaning. [=McQueen=] didn't just fix the road, he helped fix the whole town back up and gave everyone a newfound sense of pride for their town. But also, for many people--in both the movie AND real life--Route 66 was much more than just a road. For many, it was a way of life and a thing of wonder, something that ought to never be forgotten.
-->'''Sally''': 40 years ago, that interstate down there didn't exist. Back then, cars came across the country a whole different way.\\
'''Lightning''': How do you mean?\\
'''Sally''': Well, the road didn't ''cut through'' the land like that interstate. It ''moved with'' the land; it rose, it fell, it curved... Cars didn't drive on it to ''make'' great time. They drove on it to ''have'' a great time.
* After helping the King, Lightning turns down a big-time offer from the King's sponsor, Tex. Then after a pause, he says "Actually, there is ONE thing." Cut to Mater riding in a helicopter, having the time of his life, because he's always wanted a copter ride. Made even better when you remember that Lightning wasn't being sincere when he said he would get Mater a ride in a helicopter. But now he remembers his promise to Mater and chooses to keep it.
** Doubly heartwarming at the end of the third movie, when Tex not only hires Cruz on the spot but buys out all of Rust-eze to get [=McQueen's=] contract.
* With Doc as [=McQueen's=] new crew chief, you see the rival pit crews look up at him in pure awe, and the camera crew have a mini freakout when they realize it's the Fabulous Hudson Hornet. Soon after the announcement is made, a few fans realize it too and soon you see the crowd shift and realize the ''entire stadium'' is cheering for him. The industry may have moved on, but the ''fans'' never forgot him.
** The Heartwarming is turned up a notch years later with the RSN short ''Under the Hood'' detailing Doc's career. The video ends with a sentiment shared by fans both in and out of universe.
-->'''Narrator:''' His legacy will live on, not just in the record books, but in our hearts.\\

* A minor example, but Mia and Tia's scenes in the final race. Even though they became Chick's fans in Lightning's absence, they express concern for Lightning when he's struggling with the race. They also boo Chick off the stage and throw their headpieces at him after he caused The King's crash.]]
** The girls also still have their [=McQueen=] decals on them after close inspection.
* Though it is a tearjerker, shortly before Lightning's departure as he talks with Sally, right after she says "It was much more than that" we get a shot of Lightning's reaction. Upon close inspection, he has tears in his eyes, making this the very first time he really cried and had a mental heartbreak following his HeelFaceTurn throughout his visit. It's sad and adorable all at once.
* The entire Tractor Tipping sequence is humorous, but also cute because it's the first time Lightning actually gets to play a game with someone who really likes him.
* Mater offering to be Lightning's lawyer in Traffic Court. Besides Lightning sighing and rolling his eyes in response, it was a very nice thing of Mater to do so, since he was the only one there who immediately warmed up to him and already recognized him as a friend.
* The first time Lightning meets Sally, [[LoveAtFirstSight he is completely mesmerized by her]] and begins a love-inducing conversation with her. The dreamy look in his eyes and heartfelt smile he has throughout adds it all up.
* Even before his HeelFaceTurn when he was a spoiled, uncaring snob, Lightning still had a few good moments:
** Revealing himself to the crowd at the start and posing for the paparazzi after the race.
** Giving a little smooch to the press just after Mia and Tia are taken away by security.
** Talking with The King, who is the nicest of the other racers and gives wise advice.
** Feeling sad for himself after ending his call with Harv, which is the first indication of his potential image change later on.
** Unlike Chick, Lightning [[EveryoneHasStandards never resorted to dirty tricks during the race]].
** He also shows respect towards both The King and Doc Hudson (once his past comes out).
* The lyrics to the song "Find Yourself" pretty much sum up the course of the entire movie, from Lightning getting lost in Radiator Springs, causing him to rethink himself, make friends, fall in love, and of course, becomes a true friend.
* Meta: After dedicating WesternAnimation/FindingNemo to him, Pixar named this movie’s hero after their late animator Glenn [=McQueen=]. So one of the most iconic characters of the TurnOfTheMillennium carries the name of a beloved employee and all-around good man.
* The film's aesop of "Life is about the journey, not the destination" might be glaringly obvious given its premise. But it's one that is still legitimately heartwarming.
----
->''You got a lotta stuff, kid.''

to:

[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/img_2283.JPG]]
[[caption-width-right:350:There's a lot more to racing than just winning.]]
->''Well, you go through life''\\
''So sure of where you're headin'''\\
''And you wind up lost''\\
''And it's the best thing that could happen''\\
''Cause sometimes when you lose your way''\\
''It's really just as well''\\
''Cause you find yourself''\\
''Yeah, that's when you find yourself''
--> '''Brad Paisley''', "Find Yourself"


* Lightning and Mater are talking about helicopter rides and this little piece of dialogue emerges:
-->'''Mater:''' I knew it! I knew I'd done made a good choice!\\
'''[=McQueen=]:''' In what?\\
''[{{Beat}}]''\\
'''Mater:''' My best friend...\\
''[The two smile at each other.]''
**
The entire evening is a big FriendshipMoment for both Lightning and Mater. Keep in mind, Lightning has been completely without friends through the whole movie, except Mack. Everyone in Radiator Springs has largely treated him with (albeit justified) scorn. But Mater? The kindhearted tow truck instantly takes a shine to the guy and hangs around Lightning. Not because of his fame or his wealth (he doesn’t know who Lightning is) but because Mater genuinely likes him.
** Even better, this is the point where Lightning begins to change. The idea that someone genuinely likes and trusts him unconditionally does wonders for his {{Jerkass}} attitude.
* Lightning being appreciative of Mack initially stepping in to be a one-man pit crew for the big race.
** Similarly, how happy Lightning is to see Mack again when he's found. Considering the rest of the scene is pretty somber, it's sweet to see Mack's loyalty finally getting recognized.
** Hell, the fact that Mack let's Lightning's new friends join him as a pit crew during the race.
* When all of the cars from Radiator Springs show up to be [=McQueen's=] pit crew and cheer him on at the big race.
-->'''Doc:''' Alright. If you can drive as well as you can fix a road, then you can win this race with your eyes shut. Now get back out there!
* After the King's crash, when Lightning gave up the Piston Cup to instead make sure he'd finish his last race after Chick brutally rammed him...
-->'''King:''' You just [[HonorBeforeReason gave up the Piston Cup]], you know that?
-->'''[=McQueen=]:''' Ah, this grumpy old race car I know once told me something, [[MeaningfulEcho it's just an empty cup.]]
** Doc is shown listening to this exchange over his headset and [[SoProudOfYou smiles as he hears how Lightning took his words to heart]].
** And after the race is over, the King's wife kisses Lightning on the cheek (or fender?) and thanks him for his selflessness. Owen Wilson's gentle delivery of Lightning's "You're welcome" just sells it; [[CharacterDevelopment there is no way the Lightning from the beginning of the movie would have spoken to ANYONE like that.]]
** A small one, but when Lightning took the lead
following works in the final lap shortly before the crash, the King can be seen cracking a smile, showing pride towards Lightning because he changed for the better (earlier in the movie, he praised his talent, but criticized his arrogance). Also, right before he gets violently rammed by Chick, instead of accelerating and trying to retake the lead, he focuses on blocking Chick and keeping him behind him to prevent him from attacking Lightning. Unlike Chick Hicks, while the King may want to win, he's not at all bothered by the thought that he might lose a fair race.
*** Doc can also be seen smiling proudly as Lightning retakes the lead by drifting in order to get back on the track, knowing that Lightning remembered his lesson about "turning right to go left".
* When Lightning has finished the road and decides to have a shopping spree before leaving.
* Right before he leaves Radiator Springs, Sally thanks [=McQueen=] for everything he did. He responds, "It was just a road," and she answers back, "No, it was much more than that." It contains a double meaning. [=McQueen=] didn't just fix the road, he helped fix the whole town back up and gave everyone a newfound sense of pride for their town. But also, for many people--in both the movie AND real life--Route 66 was much more than just a road. For many, it was a way of life and a thing of wonder, something that ought to never be forgotten.
-->'''Sally''': 40 years ago, that interstate down there didn't exist. Back then, cars came across the country a whole different way.\\
'''Lightning''': How do you mean?\\
'''Sally''': Well, the road didn't ''cut through'' the land like that interstate. It ''moved with'' the land; it rose, it fell, it curved... Cars didn't drive on it to ''make'' great time. They drove on it to ''have'' a great time.
* After helping the King, Lightning turns down a big-time offer from the King's sponsor, Tex. Then after a pause, he says "Actually, there is ONE thing." Cut to Mater riding in a helicopter, having the time of his life, because he's always wanted a copter ride. Made even better when you remember that Lightning wasn't being sincere when he said he would get Mater a ride in a helicopter. But now he remembers his promise to Mater and chooses to keep it.
** Doubly heartwarming at the end of the third movie, when Tex not only hires Cruz on the spot but buys out all of Rust-eze to get [=McQueen's=] contract.
* With Doc as [=McQueen's=] new crew chief, you see the rival pit crews look up at him in pure awe, and the camera crew have a mini freakout when they realize it's the Fabulous Hudson Hornet. Soon after the announcement is made, a few fans realize it too and soon you see the crowd shift and realize the ''entire stadium'' is cheering for him. The industry may have moved on, but the ''fans'' never forgot him.
** The Heartwarming is turned up a notch years later with the RSN short ''Under the Hood'' detailing Doc's career. The video ends with a sentiment shared by fans both in and out of universe.
-->'''Narrator:''' His legacy will live on, not just in the record books, but in our hearts.\\

* A minor example, but Mia and Tia's scenes in the final race. Even though they became Chick's fans in Lightning's absence, they express concern for Lightning when he's struggling with the race. They also boo Chick off the stage and throw their headpieces at him after he caused The King's crash.]]
** The girls also still
franchise have their [=McQueen=] decals on them after close inspection.
own pages:

* Though it is a tearjerker, shortly before Lightning's departure as he talks with Sally, right after she says "It was much more than that" we get a shot of Lightning's reaction. Upon close inspection, he has tears in his eyes, making this the very first time he really cried and had a mental heartbreak following his HeelFaceTurn throughout his visit. It's sad and adorable all at once.
''Heartwarming/Cars1''
* The entire Tractor Tipping sequence is humorous, but also cute because it's the first time Lightning actually gets to play a game with someone who really likes him.
''Heartwarming/Cars2''
* Mater offering to be Lightning's lawyer in Traffic Court. Besides Lightning sighing and rolling his eyes in response, it was a very nice thing of Mater to do so, since he was the only one there who immediately warmed up to him and already recognized him as a friend.
* The first time Lightning meets Sally, [[LoveAtFirstSight he is completely mesmerized by her]] and begins a love-inducing conversation with her. The dreamy look in his eyes and heartfelt smile he has throughout adds it all up.
* Even before his HeelFaceTurn when he was a spoiled, uncaring snob, Lightning still had a few good moments:
** Revealing himself to the crowd at the start and posing for the paparazzi after the race.
** Giving a little smooch to the press just after Mia and Tia are taken away by security.
** Talking with The King, who is the nicest of the other racers and gives wise advice.
** Feeling sad for himself after ending his call with Harv, which is the first indication of his potential image change later on.
** Unlike Chick, Lightning [[EveryoneHasStandards never resorted to dirty tricks during the race]].
** He also shows respect towards both The King and Doc Hudson (once his past comes out).
* The lyrics to the song "Find Yourself" pretty much sum up the course of the entire movie, from Lightning getting lost in Radiator Springs, causing him to rethink himself, make friends, fall in love, and of course, becomes a true friend.
* Meta: After dedicating WesternAnimation/FindingNemo to him, Pixar named this movie’s hero after their late animator Glenn [=McQueen=]. So one of the most iconic characters of the TurnOfTheMillennium carries the name of a beloved employee and all-around good man.
* The film's aesop of "Life is about the journey, not the destination" might be glaringly obvious given its premise. But it's one that is still legitimately heartwarming.
----
->''You got a lotta stuff, kid.''
''Heartwarming/Cars3''
----
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** The entire evening is a big FriendshipMoment for both Lightning and Mater. Keep in mind, Lightning has been completely without friends through the whole movie, except Mack. Everyone in Radiator Springs has largely treated him with (justified) scorn. But Mater? The kindhearted tow truck instantly takes a shine to the guy and hangs around Lightning. Not because of his fame or his wealth (he doesn’t know who Lightning is) but because Mater genuinely likes him.

to:

** The entire evening is a big FriendshipMoment for both Lightning and Mater. Keep in mind, Lightning has been completely without friends through the whole movie, except Mack. Everyone in Radiator Springs has largely treated him with (justified) (albeit justified) scorn. But Mater? The kindhearted tow truck instantly takes a shine to the guy and hangs around Lightning. Not because of his fame or his wealth (he doesn’t know who Lightning is) but because Mater genuinely likes him.

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