In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez wins the final Florida 500 after Lightning McQueen gives her his car.
Lightning begins the race intending to challenge Jackson Storm, but the contest changes when he realizes Cruz has the ability to compete at the highest level. He gives her his racing identity and asks her to finish the race. Cruz then battles Storm and takes the victory, while Lightning adopts the appearance and role of his former mentor, Doc Hudson.
Cruz is introduced as Lightning's assigned trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. Although she initially lacks confidence as a racer, her technical knowledge and driving ability become central to the film's story.
The Florida 500 is fictional, but its name echoes real American stock-car racing events. Cruz's victory does not mean she was Lightning's original rival; Jackson Storm is the established antagonist and leading next-generation racer.