In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez becomes Lightning McQueen's racing successor at the Florida 500.
Cruz begins as McQueen's assigned trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. Although she has extensive technical knowledge, she has not realized her own potential as a racer. McQueen's training journey gradually reveals that Cruz has the speed, skill, and determination to compete at the highest level.
During the Florida 500, McQueen changes strategy and lets Cruz take over his race. She wins after defeating Jackson Storm, while McQueen adopts a role that echoes Doc Hudson's guidance of him.
Cruz is voiced by Cristela Alonzo. Her victory does not erase McQueen's importance; instead, the film presents their partnership as a continuation of his legacy. Sally Carrera is McQueen's friend, and Natalie Certain is a racing analyst, not his successor.