In Pixar's Cars 3, Lightning McQueen represents Rust-eze Racing at the start of his career comeback.
Lightning begins Cars 3 as the veteran driver for Rust-eze, the sponsor that supported him after the events of the first film. He is still a major star, but younger racers led by Jackson Storm are replacing experienced competitors on the track. A severe crash convinces Lightning that he needs a new approach.
Rust-eze sends him to the high-tech Rust-eze Racing Center, where he is paired with trainer Cruz Ramirez. Lightning initially dislikes the center's data-driven methods and doubts Cruz's ability to help him. Their training eventually becomes a partnership that changes both characters.
Dinoco is another important racing brand in the series, associated with The King and later linked to Lightning's aspirations. It is not Lightning's original Cars 3 team. Rust-eze remains the sponsor connected to his comeback journey.