In Pixar's Cars 3, Smokey is Doc Hudson's former crew chief in Thomasville.
Lightning McQueen travels to Thomasville seeking information about Doc after new-generation racers begin dominating the Piston Cup. Smokey remembers Doc's early racing career and explains how the older champion learned to adapt after his crash and difficult return to competition.
Smokey's advice helps Lightning understand that Doc's career was not defined only by speed. Doc's time with his crew, his willingness to learn, and his eventual decision to support others all become models for Lightning's next stage.
Thomasville is presented as a historic racing community with strong connections to the sport's earlier era. The scenes there introduce several former racers and teammates, including Louise Nash, River Scott, and Junior Moon. Smokey stands out because he personally worked with Doc as crew chief.