Disney-Pixar Cars 2: Racing Rivals
| Disney-Pixar Cars 2: Racing Rivals | |
|---|---|
| |
| Published | May 17, 2013 |
| Author | Evan Shine |
| Illustrator | Josh Holtsclaw |
| Publisher | Random House Disney |
- This article is for the tie-in storybook adapting and released alongside the 2011 film, Cars 2. For the style guide representing the Target-exclusive merchandising campaign, also active during the Cars 2 launch, see Cars 2: Racing Rivals.
Disney•Pixar Cars 2: Racing Rivals[1] is a 2011 tie-in storybook that adapts the World Grand Prix storyline from Cars 2, with a particular focus on Lightning McQueen's rivalry with Francesco Bernoulli.
In addition to re-telling the two racers' key interactions, Racing Rivals also illustrates additional scenes beyond those present in the film. It also omits any crossover between Mater's secret-agent storyline – moments like Mater's unaware coaching during Tokyo, and his London reunion with McQueen are not given context.
Plot
Lightning McQueen has won the biggest race in North America, and is celebrating back at home with his girlfriend Sally and best friend Mater. Voices from the Wheel Well bring their attention to the television, where cocky Formula One racer Francesco Bernoulli is smack-talking McQueen, and proceeds to insult Mater after his call-in defense reaches the talk show. Motivated, McQueen accepts Francesco's challenge, entering the World Grand Prix - a three-leg global race through Tokyo, Italy, and London.
Next morning, McQueen expresses regret to Mater as the pair stroll Willys Butte, having forgone the opportunity to spend time with Sally. Mater re-assures his ability to win and shows off his dents – mementos of the times the friends have shared. They say goodbye to Sally and board the plane to Japan for the first race.
As leg one unfolds, McQueen takes the lead, but a bizarre suggestion from Mater influences him to swerve off-path, forfeiting the win to a gloating Francesco. Back at the pits, McQueen shouts at Mater, and they disband - later, McQueen is relieved to learn his crew chief has flown home.
Before the second race in Italy, the remaining members of Team 95 spend a day in Luigi's hometown, where McQueen meets his Uncle Topolino. The wise Italian car tells of many arguments Luigi and Guido find themselves in, but emphasizes their ability to always make up in the end. Slipping away come nightfall, McQueen feels lonely without Mater and Sally, and a late-night dirt track session ends with the race car stuck in a ditch – not unlike the first situation Mater ever towed him out of. Rescued and accidentally dented by Uncle Topolino, McQueen tells him not to worry, remembering Mater's words before they left home.
Determined to make it up to Mater, Lightning takes the Porto Corsa win - reflecting on how Francesco has no friends by his side. At the final race in London, Mater returns and accepts Lightning's apology. Thinking of Francesco, McQueen invites him to race in Radiator Springs. McQueen and Sally reunite, while Mater finds himself fishing Francesco out of the cacti at Willy's Butte.
Continuity
References
- Cars (2006) - Besides basic sequel setup, Mater directly references the clumsy conclusion of Lightning's first race against his late mentor Doc, where the rookie found himself face-deep in cacti and fished out by Mater and his tow cable. McQueen's late-night practice session and subsequent rescue later mirror the situation, serving to emphasize Mater's absence, and for McQueen to remember Mater's ramble about dents that he had drowned out before. The final illustration re-creates the scenario once more, with Francesco in McQueen's role.
Differences
- Many incongruencies regarding the film are merely through omission, and do not necessarily suggest different events: The lone exception being Mater and McQueen's London reunion, where the former's radiator is still intact, rather than the bomb fastened by the Lemons and ensuing consequences thereof. McQueen's suggestion of the Radiator Springs Grand Prix comes immediately, rather than in response to the incomplete series.
Characters
References
- ↑ "DISNEY - PIXAR CARS 2: RACING RIVALS." (Visual Material; 2012-01-30). United States Public Records System; Record filed by Disney Enterprises, Inc. & Pixar - Registration Number TX0007482086. Copyright.gov. Retrieved July 31, 2025.