Cruz Ramirez takes Lightning McQueen’s place in the final race of Pixar’s Cars 3.
After training Lightning, Cruz discovers that she is capable of competing as a racer herself. Lightning initially enters the Florida 500 intending to defeat Jackson Storm, but he changes strategy after realizing that Cruz deserves the opportunity to use her talent on the track.
Lightning becomes Cruz’s crew chief while Cruz races in his place. She uses skills developed during training and ultimately defeats Jackson Storm, winning the race. The ending allows Lightning to continue racing in a different role while Cruz begins her own professional career.
Cruz’s arc is central to the film’s theme of mentorship and succession. The story does not treat Lightning’s aging as simple failure; instead, it shows how experience can be passed to a new competitor. Cruz is voiced by Cristela Alonzo, while Lightning remains voiced by Owen Wilson. The final race is the Florida 500, held at the fictional Florida International Super Speedway.