In Pixar’s Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez wins the Florida 500 after Lightning McQueen leaves the race.
Cruz begins the film as Lightning McQueen’s trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center, but she has racing ability of her own. When Lightning steps aside during the Florida 500, Cruz takes his place and challenges Jackson Storm. She wins the race, becoming a new champion while Lightning supports her from the pit area.
The victory completes Cruz’s transformation from simulator trainer to professional racer. Cars 3 also frames the event as a generational transition: Lightning learns that his future does not have to end simply because newer racers are faster. His eventual role as Cruz’s mentor connects the film to Doc Hudson’s influence on him in the original Cars.