In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez becomes Lightning McQueen's trainer and later races for him.
Cruz works at the Rust-eze Racing Center, where she uses modern simulation and training methods. She initially treats Lightning as an older champion needing a carefully managed comeback. Their training sessions expose both Lightning's reluctance to accept change and Cruz's own unfulfilled ambition to compete as a racer.
As the story develops, Cruz moves from support role to competitor. Lightning recognizes her ability and gives her the opportunity to take his place in the decisive race. Her success turns the film's conflict into a story about mentorship and passing opportunity to a new generation rather than simply defeating Jackson Storm himself.
Cruz is voiced by Cristela Alonzo in the English-language film. She is distinct from Sally Carrera, Lightning's friend in Radiator Springs, and Holley Shiftwell, the British agent from Cars 2. Cruz's yellow design contrasts visually with Lightning's red paint.