In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez takes over as the Piston Cup racer after the final race.
Cruz begins as Lightning McQueen's high-tech trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. Although she is initially presented as a simulator expert rather than a top competitor, her driving ability becomes clear during the film's training sequence.
Lightning eventually recognizes that Cruz's own racing ambition has been overlooked. He gives her the opportunity to race for the Dinoco team in the decisive event, where she defeats Jackson Storm and wins the Piston Cup.
The ending does not erase Lightning's role. He becomes a mentor and continues racing in a different capacity, while Cruz carries the next generation of the story. Cristela Alonzo voices Cruz in the English-language film.