Chapter One: Revving Up

"Rust-eze Racing Center, huh," Tim said, doubling over in laughter. "You're really training at that place?"

"I actually hate you," The voice on the phone replied. She couldn't help but grin – Tim's laughter was too contagious. "It's the Dinoco Racing Center now. You should know this!"

"Okay, fine. Have it your way. I know you hate your brother, but couldn't you have trained anywhere else?" Tim gave in. "You know, with me?"

Zoe Treadless smiled, although he couldn't see it. She was terrified at what her family would say when she told them she left college to train full-time. She'd been studying mechanical engineering – somewhat a stone's throw from actual stock car racing, but she trained at Biggs Industries with Tim as a kid anyways. Surprisingly, Tim was handling the news better than she thought– he was a professional himself now, after all. He couldn't really stop her; he was never the overly protective type.

Honestly, Zoe doubted her decision to leave, especially after Tim didn't make it past the finish line last weekend in Florida. That was the day she cleaned out her dorm and had dinner with her friends before she left for good. Her circle consisted of avid racing fans who hated missing any of Tim's races, especially the first of the season, but they understood moving out was a huge decision for Zoe. But what crappier way to find out your brother's in ICU than through Chick Hicks on the midnight train's radio?

"I'll see you at the Talladega Speedway," Zoe assured him. She leaned against the balcony of her new apartment and picked at the band-aid on her finger. "Take care of yourself, Timid."

"Bye Zo. Don't forget to buy toilet paper," His face lit up as he spoke. "And one last thing. Never, ever tell anyone your racing secrets. That happens at training centres… I learned that the hard way."

The Rust-eze Racing Center was not a bad place to work. Not really. It stood for a huge milestone for Cruz – even getting hired was a miracle in itself. For two years, she never had to pay rent, pay for her own gas, or cook for herself. Although she would never admit it, the cafeteria's food was pretty good. It was taboo to admit that at the training center, but everybody went for seconds. Contrary to popular belief (Lightning), Sterling treated her well – as a trainer.

Now that she was a racer (yes, thank you, Lightning, "racer not a trainer," thank you) she was temporarily homeless. It seemed like a silly thing to think about, but the thought suddenly flew into her head as she watched everybody head home after the race. The celebratory confetti that flew over her head was already getting picked up by the cleanup crew.

"Show's over," One of the volunteers said, throwing a Corona and a pair of sunglasses over his shoulder. The sunglasses bounced off Cruz' head and landed in the trash pile.

Cruz shook herself and turned to walk away. She had to find Mr. McQueen, or Sally, or someone to give her a ride. Maybe Sterling still had her room open back at Rust-eze. Or one of her former trainees would let her in? No… she'd definitely be shunned by Sterling.

In frustration, Cruz kicked the trash pile and the same sunglasses hit her in the knee. The lens fell off and broke. The volunteer looked at her angrily.

"Whoops," Cruz said instinctively. She picked up the glasses and dusted them off. "Return to Tim Treadless. This shit was expensive." Cruz read, squinting her eyes in the setting sun.

"Okay what," She shouted and threw the glasses back in disgust. "You call those expensive?"

"Just get your ride," The volunteer sighed in exasperation, leaning against the wall. "I gotta get home for the Game of Thrones episode."

Cruz looked at him and sighed back. "Guess I'll be seeing you often," She said to no one in particular, shooting finger guns. "Y'know, since I'm a racer now."

The volunteer gave her a tight-lipped smile and went back to picking up garbage and IGNTR shirts people stomped over.

Cruz held her metallic yellow helmet and walked to the emptying Dinoco tent. There were only a handful of people left, including Tex, Lightning and a few engineers.

"Hey Cruz," Lightning greeted her, extending his hand. He always greeted her in that same welcoming, enthusiastic voice. "I was just talking to Tex here. Had to catch up with an old buddy."

Tex slapped him on the back jovially. His face was a bit red and he looked ecstatic.

"We were just talking about your future, Cruz," Lightning continued, glancing back at Tex. "Of course, we're not going to force you into anything, but Tex has always been good at business deals…"

Cruz peeked at the huge, sky blue tent and smiled. I mean, it's only Dinoco, the biggest business ever.

Lightning smiled back. "Well what I wanted to say was – "

"I bought Rust-eze!" Tex exclaimed, unable to hold in his laughter as well. "Anyway, you don't got a thing to worry 'bout, Cruz. That Sterling couldn't stand a chance against me."

"It won't take long to refurnish the place – I'm guessing a few days?" Lightning glanced at Tex and he nodded. "Nothing really needs to be renovated," He assured her. "You can stay at the Cozy Cone until then. I'm sure Sally would love that."

Tex looked incredulously at his friend. "Cozy Cone? Nah. She's staying at the Dinoco Training Center, you dimwit! She's gotta train! We'll still have the training area open, I got money to make!"

Tex's already red face erupted into laughter once again. Cruz couldn't help but cover her mouth as she held back her own laughter. She was starting to like Tex more and more.

"And Lightning, you know you're driving for Dinoco now too," Tex grinned, like everything Lightning said was funny. "But I'll let ya off this time. I know you got a wife, and kids, and all that back at the Radiator – "

"No kids." Lightning said, making wild hand gestures in embarrassment. "No kids at all. And no wife," He murmured, blushing at the last part.

"Okay well," Tex paused, sobering quickly. "Well, y'know I understand if a wife ain't what you want… that's common these days. Y'know, BLT Q+ and whatnot." He stared off into the distance, or actually, the empty bleachers.

"Uh, Mr. Dinoco?" Cruz said abruptly, raising her hand out of habit. "All I want to do is train… that's all I could've asked for. Thanks for letting me stay at the training center. I won't let you down sir!"

"I know you won't Cruz. That's why I chose you." He smiled warmly, jabbing Lightning with his elbow. "And because of this ol' man who I didn't want to lose to that hotshot Sterling!"

He resumed with his thunderous laughter. It hit Cruz that she'd have to hear that laugh for a long, long time.

"Yay, team Dinoco," She said, as Lightning held his face in his hands. He kept repeating something about a ring.

A/N: Hey guys! I JUST joined the cars fandom (I know, pretty late). No idea if anyone will read this but I love the next gens so this story will be next gen centric! There isn't exactly a main character but Tim, Jackson, Cruz, Chase, Danny etc. will all appear in the later chapters. If u want to talk more about Cars message me y'all