In Pixar's Cars 3, Jackson Storm defeats Lightning McQueen in the opening Piston Cup race.
Storm is part of a new generation of highly advanced racers. His speed and modern training methods expose the widening technological gap between McQueen and younger competitors, setting the film's central conflict in motion.
After the crash that follows the race, McQueen receives help from trainer Cruz Ramirez. He travels to the Thomasville area and studies the racing methods associated with Doc Hudson, seeking to regain confidence and competitiveness.
Jackson Storm is voiced by Armie Hammer, while Lightning McQueen is voiced by Owen Wilson. Storm is not the same character as Chick Hicks, McQueen's chief rival in the first Cars film.