In Pixar’s Cars 3, which young racer becomes Lightning McQueen’s chief rival?

In Pixar’s Cars 3, Jackson Storm becomes Lightning McQueen’s chief rival.

Jackson Storm is a sleek, technologically advanced next-generation racer. His arrival changes the competitive landscape of the Piston Cup: older racers are pushed aside as Storm repeatedly demonstrates the advantages of modern training, simulation, and vehicle design.

Storm’s confidence and dismissive attitude create the film’s main sporting conflict. Lightning initially tries to defeat him through determination alone, but a crash forces him to reconsider his approach. With help from trainer Cruz Ramirez, Lightning studies new methods and eventually makes a strategic decision about his future.

Armie Hammer provides Jackson Storm’s voice. The character is not the same racer as Chick Hicks, who is Lightning’s principal antagonist in the original Cars. Storm represents a newer generation, while Chick is a veteran competitor from Lightning’s first racing story.