In Pixar's Cars 3, which racing driver trains Lightning McQueen?

In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez trains Lightning McQueen.

Cruz is a high-performance trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. She initially helps Lightning prepare for competition against the younger generation of technologically advanced racers. Their relationship changes when Lightning recognizes Cruz's own racing ability and encourages her to pursue a larger role.

The film makes Cruz important to its story about aging, mentorship, and changing opportunities. Lightning begins as the experienced champion trying to remain competitive, while Cruz represents a talented car whose potential has been limited by other people's assumptions. Their partnership eventually becomes a two-way exchange rather than a simple trainer-and-student arrangement.

Cruz should not be confused with Sally Carrera, Lightning's friend and romantic partner, or Holley Shiftwell, Mater's spy colleague in Cars 2. Cruz is introduced in Cars 3 and is voiced by Cristela Alonzo.