Smokey is Doc Hudson's former mentor in Pixar's Cars 3.
Smokey appears in the Thomasville portion of the film, where Lightning McQueen seeks advice after struggling against Jackson Storm. He knew Doc Hudson during Doc's racing years and explains how the older champion recovered after his own career was disrupted.
Smokey's lessons help Lightning understand that Doc's legacy was not only about winning races. Doc also learned from experienced racers and later supported Lightning, which gives Lightning a model for dealing with change.
Smokey is voiced by Chris Cooper and lives in Thomasville, a town associated with Doc's racing past. The character connects Cars 3 to the original film's history while introducing a mentor who knew Doc before Radiator Springs.