The outgoing President announces his retirement with a single condition: whoever wins the World Grand Prix earns the right to challenge him for the presidency. In Q's Factory, the player is briefed on the race by the factory truck and handed one of six starting vehicles at random — a 1979 Mazda RX-7, a 2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R, a 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, a 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ, a 1957 Fiat 500, or a 1996 Honda S-MX. Starting with Normal parts, 1,000 currency, and a C License, the player is set loose in an open sandbox world to race, help the locals, and work toward the championship.