Cruz Ramirez takes over Lightning McQueen's racing role at the end of Pixar's Cars 3.
Cruz begins the film as Lightning's trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center, where she uses simulators and modern coaching methods. Although she initially lacks confidence as a racer, Lightning recognizes her potential and helps her develop the courage to compete.
At the Florida 500, Cruz replaces Lightning on the track and defeats Jackson Storm. Lightning then gives her his racing number and adopts the colors of the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, becoming her crew chief and mentor. This creates a deliberate parallel with Doc Hudson's earlier mentorship of Lightning.
Cruz's ending is not simply a victory over one opponent. It marks a generational transition: Lightning remains involved in racing, but Cruz becomes the active racer carrying forward the team's competition career.