Cruz Ramirez wins the Florida 500 after Lightning McQueen begins the final race in Pixar's Cars 3.
McQueen initially enters the race to challenge Jackson Storm, the leading racer of the younger high-tech generation. During the event, McQueen changes strategy and allows Cruz Ramirez to take his place. Cruz then uses her racing ability and training to defeat Storm and win the Florida 500.
The result gives the film its central generational handoff. Cruz began as McQueen's high-performance trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center, but she had always wanted to race herself. McQueen's decision lets her pursue that ambition while he begins a new role as her mentor and crew chief.
Cruz is voiced by Cristela Alonzo, while McQueen is voiced by Owen Wilson and Storm by Armie Hammer. The ending does not erase McQueen's achievements; instead, it presents racing as a tradition that can continue through a new champion.