In Pixar’s Cars 3, Smokey trains Lightning McQueen at a racing track.
Smokey is introduced as a former crew chief for Doc Hudson. He lives in Thomasville, a town associated with Doc’s earlier racing career, and understands both the technical and emotional problems McQueen faces after being surpassed by newer racers. Smokey’s knowledge gives McQueen a direct connection to Doc’s past.
Rather than simply making McQueen faster, Smokey helps him understand how Doc adapted during his own career. Their training emphasizes observation, strategy, and using a rival’s strengths against them. Smokey also explains that Doc’s greatest satisfaction eventually came from helping McQueen, not from returning to competition himself.
Smokey is voiced by Chris Cooper. His role is different from that of Cruz Ramirez, who coaches McQueen earlier at the Rust-eze Racing Center. Together, the two training relationships guide McQueen toward a new role within racing.