Cruz Ramirez replaces Lightning McQueen in the final Florida 500 in Pixar's Cars 3.
McQueen begins the Florida 500 as the Rust-eze team's driver, but he changes course during the race after realizing Cruz has the ability and desire to compete. He enters the pits and sends Cruz onto the track in his place. Cruz then uses the lessons McQueen and Smokey taught her to challenge Jackson Storm.
Cruz's victory gives the film its central generational transition. McQueen does not simply lose his career; he chooses a new role that allows another racer to succeed. Cruz becomes the new face of the Rust-eze team while McQueen continues as her mentor and adopts a different racing identity.
Jackson Storm remains the defending threat in the race, and Natalie Certain is a racing analyst rather than a competitor. Louise Nash is a historic racer who appears in Doc's memories, not the driver who takes McQueen's place.