In Pixar's Cars 3, Jackson Storm challenges Lightning McQueen for the Piston Cup. Storm represents a new generation of high-tech racers whose speed and data-driven training threaten Lightning's career.
Storm is a sleek next-generation race car sponsored by Ignitr, and he quickly dominates the modern racing circuit. Lightning struggles to match him and other younger competitors, leading to a crash that forces the veteran to reconsider how he can continue competing.
The contrast between the two racers drives the film's central conflict. Lightning relies on experience and determination, while Storm's team emphasizes simulation, analytics, and cutting-edge equipment. The story ultimately becomes less about defeating one rival than about passing knowledge to someone new.
Jackson Storm is voiced by Armie Hammer in the English-language film. Cars 3 premiered in 2017 and was directed by Brian Fee, marking Fee's feature-directing debut.