In Pixar’s Cars 3, what is the name of Lightning McQueen’s strongest new rival?

In Pixar’s Cars 3, Jackson Storm is Lightning McQueen’s strongest new rival.

Storm represents a new generation of highly engineered racers. He is faster and more technologically advanced than many established competitors, and his early victories convince Lightning that traditional experience may no longer be enough to remain a champion.

The rivalry begins when Storm defeats Lightning in a series of races and contributes to the pressure surrounding Lightning’s future. Their conflict is not only about speed; it also reflects the film’s broader theme of changing technology and the place of veteran athletes in a modern sport.

Jackson Storm is voiced by Armie Hammer. He should not be confused with Chick Hicks, the green racer who is Lightning’s principal rival in the first Cars film. Cal Weathers is another Cars 3 racer, but he is presented as a friendlier competitor and a member of the Dinoco racing family.