Lightning McQueen visits Smokey for advice in Pixar's Cars 3.
Smokey is Doc Hudson's former crew chief and mentor from the Fabulous Hudson Hornet's racing days. After Lightning struggles against Jackson Storm and questions whether he can remain competitive, he travels to Thomasville, Georgia, with Cruz Ramirez. There he meets Smokey and several historic racers who knew Doc.
Smokey explains that Doc's happiest period was not simply when he won races; it was when he helped other racers. This lesson changes Lightning's understanding of his own legacy and his relationship with Cruz. Smokey also helps Lightning recreate the training methods Doc once used.
Smokey is sometimes confused with Doc Hudson because both are closely tied to the Hudson Hornet's racing history. He is a separate character and is voiced by Chris Cooper. The character appears only after Lightning leaves the Rust-eze facility and searches for Doc's past.