In Pixar’s Cars 3, which racer becomes Lightning McQueen’s new rival?

In Pixar’s Cars 3, Jackson Storm becomes Lightning McQueen’s new rival.

Storm represents a new generation of high-performance racers whose advanced training and technology threaten the established competitors of the Piston Cup. His victories make McQueen question whether an older racing style can still compete against younger, data-driven opponents.

The conflict gives Cars 3 a different emphasis from the first film. Rather than learning basic humility, McQueen must confront aging, changing technology, and the possibility that his career is nearing its end. He eventually receives training and support from Cruz Ramirez.

Jackson Storm is voiced by Armie Hammer. Chick Hicks, another major McQueen rival, belongs primarily to the story of the first Cars film. Cal Weathers is a veteran racer and relative of The King, but he is not the principal new antagonist in Cars 3.