In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez takes over racing for the Rust-eze team at the film's end.
Cruz begins the film as McQueen's trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. Although she is talented, she has been discouraged from pursuing a racing career because the racing world has not treated her as a likely champion. Her coaching relationship with McQueen gradually reveals that she belongs on the track.
At the Florida 500, Cruz replaces McQueen in the race. McQueen changes strategy after realizing that winning does not require him to remain the team's only racer. Cruz ultimately defeats Jackson Storm, while McQueen adopts a new role as her mentor.
Cruz is voiced by Cristela Alonzo. The ending does not erase McQueen's career; instead, it presents a transition in which he continues racing selectively while helping develop the next generation.