In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez wins the Florida 500 after Lightning McQueen steps aside.
Cruz begins the film as McQueen's assigned trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. Although she is an excellent simulator driver, she lacks confidence in physical racing and initially believes she is not suited to compete against the new generation of racers.
During the Florida 500, McQueen changes strategy after realizing Cruz has genuine racing ability. He sends her onto the track while he takes the role of crew chief. Cruz races Jackson Storm, uses advice inspired by McQueen's experience, and wins the event. The victory gives her a professional racing opportunity and marks a major change in McQueen's career.
The film does not present Cruz as simply replacing McQueen from the beginning. Instead, it shows her becoming a racer while McQueen continues as her mentor. This ending is also distinct from the earlier Cars films, where McQueen remains the central active competitor.