Cruz Ramirez becomes Rust-eze’s new racing star after Lightning McQueen in Pixar’s Cars 3.
Cruz begins the film as McQueen’s high-tech trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. Although she has racing ability, she lacks confidence because she has been placed in a coaching role rather than given a chance to compete. McQueen eventually recognizes her talent and helps her enter the Florida 500.
Cruz takes McQueen’s place during the race and defeats Jackson Storm. Afterward, she becomes the new Rust-eze racer, while McQueen adopts Doc Hudson’s old blue colors and continues racing as part of her team.
Cruz’s role is sometimes confused with Jackson Storm’s. Storm is the younger competitor who challenges McQueen, whereas Cruz is the trainer who becomes a champion racer. The character was voiced by Cristela Alonzo.