By 2015, Marty's life has spiraled out of control due to long-term pain from a hand injury that leaves him unable to play guitar. This injury occurs in 1985, after Marty accepts school enemy Douglas J. Needles' challenge to a road race after being labeled a chicken and crashes into a Rolls-Royce. In 1885, Biff Tannen's great-grandfather Buford goads Marty into a showdown, which Marty wins despite refusing to draw a gun against Buford. Once he returns to 1985, he remembers both this event and Seamus' advice and politely declines Needles' challenge, avoiding the collision that would have ruined his musical talents. This event shows newfound maturity as he often loses his temper when called a chicken. Over the years, Marty learns how to make his decisions on his own terms instead of being influenced by others, thereby changing his future for the better.