In Pixar’s Cars 3, Smokey helps Lightning McQueen research the sport’s earlier generation.
Smokey is associated with Thomasville, a town connected to Doc Hudson’s racing past. McQueen visits him after realizing that Doc’s experience may offer the guidance needed to compete with the newer generation of racers.
Smokey explains how Doc learned from his own setbacks and introduces McQueen to stories of earlier racers, including Louise Nash and River Scott. This history helps McQueen understand that training, adaptability, and mentorship have always shaped racing success.
Smokey is voiced by Chris Cooper. He is different from Doc Hudson, voiced by Paul Newman in Cars, and from Louise Nash, the veteran racer who appears as one of the historical figures McQueen encounters.