In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez takes over Lightning McQueen's racing number 95.
Cruz begins the film as a high-performance trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. After helping Lightning prepare for a comeback, she discovers that she has the ability and desire to compete. Lightning ultimately supports her move into the Piston Cup racing world.
At the final race, Cruz competes in Lightning's familiar yellow-and-red paint scheme and carries number 95. This visual handoff represents a mentorship rather than a simple replacement: Lightning remains involved in racing, while Cruz begins her own career.
Cruz is voiced by Cristela Alonzo in the English-language version. Her story is often confused with Lightning's retirement, but Cars 3 does not end with Lightning disappearing from racing. Instead, he becomes a mentor and continues working with Cruz.