In Pixar's Cars 3, which racer takes over Lightning McQueen's number 95?

In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez takes over Lightning McQueen's number 95.

Cruz begins the film as McQueen's high-energy trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. After McQueen struggles against Jackson Storm, he asks to train with Cruz's help. Their relationship changes when Cruz reveals her own interest in racing and demonstrates that she can compete at the highest level.

Near the climax, McQueen gives Cruz his race car and allows her to race in his place. She uses the number 95 and wins the Florida 500, while McQueen adopts a new role as her mentor. The moment is not simply a replacement of one character by another; it is a transfer of confidence, experience, and racing identity.

Louise Nash is a retired female racer who inspires Cruz, but she does not take McQueen's number. Cruz is the character who officially races under 95 at the film's ending.