In Pixar's Cars 3, which racer defeats Lightning McQueen in the season-opening race?

Jackson Storm defeats Lightning McQueen in the season-opening race of Pixar's Cars 3.

Storm is a next-generation race car whose speed and data-focused preparation make him the dominant new competitor. His arrival begins the film's central conflict: established racers such as McQueen face a younger field built around advanced technology and specialized training.

During the opening race, McQueen tries to keep pace with Storm but pushes his equipment too far. He loses control and crashes, an event that raises questions about whether he can continue competing at the highest level. The defeat motivates McQueen to seek new training and eventually rethink what it means to be a champion.

Jackson Storm is voiced by Armie Hammer. He is different from Chick Hicks, the aggressive rival from the original Cars. Cal Weathers and Bobby Swift are also racers in the Cars 3 field, but neither is the new competitor who wins the opening confrontation with McQueen.