In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez takes over as Rust-eze's racer at the end.
Cruz begins the film as a high-performance trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center, not as a top-level Piston Cup competitor. During Lightning McQueen's training journey, she discovers that she has the instincts and ability to race. Her progress becomes central to the film's theme about finding a new role rather than simply holding on to an old one.
At the Florida 500, Lightning changes strategy and sends Cruz onto the track. She defeats Jackson Storm, while Lightning embraces a mentor role. The ending shows Cruz carrying the Rust-eze colors as a professional racer, with Lightning continuing to support her and preparing for a different chapter.
Cruz is voiced by Cristela Alonzo. Sally Carrera remains Lightning's close friend, Holley Shiftwell belongs to Cars 2, and Mia is one of the twin fans seen in the earlier film.