Smokey mentors Lightning McQueen in Pixar’s Cars 3 by sharing memories of Doc Hudson.
Lightning meets Smokey in Thomasville, a former racing community connected to Doc’s early career. Smokey explains that Doc’s best period came before his racing career was cut short, and he helps Lightning understand that a champion’s influence can continue through teaching others.
Chris Cooper voices Smokey. The character is a pickup truck and former crew chief rather than a rival racer in the film’s present-day competition. His knowledge gives Lightning a link to Doc that goes beyond the brief flashbacks shown earlier in the series.
Smokey is sometimes confused with other veteran racers, including The King and Louise Nash. Those characters are important figures in the Cars racing world, but Smokey is the specific mentor who guides Lightning in Cars 3.