In Pixar's Cars 3, which racer wins the Florida 500 at the end of the film?

Cruz Ramirez wins the Florida 500 at the end of Pixar's Cars 3.

Lightning McQueen begins the race but gives Cruz his number and lets her take over after he recognizes that she can compete with Jackson Storm. Cruz uses her racing ability, confidence, and knowledge of Lightning's lessons to challenge Storm and win the event.

The result changes the meaning of Lightning's comeback. Rather than proving that he can permanently defeat every younger racer, he helps launch Cruz's professional career. Lightning then remains involved in racing as Cruz's mentor and adopts a paint scheme inspired by Doc Hudson.

The Florida 500 is fictional, but its name echoes real American stock-car racing events. It serves as the climactic race of Cars 3 and should not be confused with the Piston Cup races mentioned throughout the broader franchise. Cruz's victory is also different from Lightning's earlier Piston Cup outcome in the first Cars.