Smokey is the retired crew chief who trained Doc Hudson in Pixar's Cars 3.
Lightning McQueen meets Smokey in Thomasville, a town connected to Doc's racing past. Smokey explains how he helped Doc after the Fabulous Hudson Hornet's crash and became part of the team that supported Doc's return to competition. His knowledge helps Lightning understand that racing is not only about speed or machinery.
Smokey becomes Lightning's mentor during the film's middle section. He teaches Lightning to use experience, strategy, and observation rather than trying to match every advantage held by the younger racers. The lessons also prepare Lightning to recognize Cruz Ramirez's own potential.
Louise Nash, Junior Moon, and River Scott are other veteran racers associated with Doc's earlier racing era. They are important Thomasville figures, but Smokey is the crew chief and storyteller who directly trains Lightning.