Doc Hudson becomes Radiator Springs' judge and doctor in Pixar's Cars (2006).
Doc is introduced as a stern local authority who dislikes Lightning McQueen's careless behavior. He eventually reveals that he was once the famous Fabulous Hudson Hornet, a three-time Piston Cup champion whose racing career ended after a crash and poor treatment by the racing world.
Paul Newman provided Doc's voice, making the role one of the actor's notable late-career performances. Doc's history parallels the film's larger theme: achievement can be important, but relationships and community matter too.
Doc Hudson is a fictionalized 1951 Hudson Hornet. The real Hudson Hornet was known for strong performance in early stock-car racing, especially through the driving success of Herb Thomas. The film combines that automotive history with an original character arc.