In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez replaces Lightning McQueen as Dinoco's new champion at the end.
Lightning gives Cruz his racing number and sends her into the Florida 500 after realizing that she has the talent and desire to compete. She defeats Jackson Storm in the decisive race, giving Dinoco a new champion and beginning her professional racing career.
Lightning does not simply disappear from the story. He returns to racing in a new role, adopting a design inspired by Doc Hudson while continuing to work with Cruz. The ending therefore presents succession and mentorship rather than a straightforward retirement.
A frequent mix-up is naming Jackson Storm, who is the film's dominant modern rival. Storm is defeated at the Florida 500; Cruz is the racer who wins and earns the Dinoco connection.