In Pixar’s Cars 3, which real racing legend inspired Smokey’s character?

In Pixar’s Cars 3, Smokey’s character was inspired by racing legend Smokey Yunick.

Smokey is a Hudson Hornet crew chief and mechanic who lives in Thomasville, the former racing town connected to Doc Hudson’s past. He helps Lightning McQueen rebuild his confidence by explaining how Doc adapted after modern racers began to surpass him. Smokey’s lessons focus on using experience creatively rather than trying to copy younger competitors.

The character draws from Henry “Smokey” Yunick, an influential American mechanic, engineer, and NASCAR crew chief. Yunick was known for inventive engineering and for the famous Best Damn Garage in Town in Daytona Beach, Florida. Cars 3 uses Smokey as a fictional mentor while echoing that real-world reputation for technical ingenuity.

Smokey Yunick should not be confused with Doc Hudson, the retired racer whose career he discusses. Smokey is the mechanic and crew chief; Doc is the former driver at the center of the flashbacks.