In Pixar’s Cars 3, who becomes Lightning McQueen’s racing trainee and teammate?

Cruz Ramirez becomes Lightning McQueen’s racing trainee and teammate in Pixar’s Cars 3.

Cruz is introduced as a highly skilled trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. She uses simulators, data analysis, and modern training techniques to help McQueen prepare for competition against the younger Jackson Storm. Although she initially lacks confidence in her own racing ambitions, her abilities become increasingly important.

The film’s story develops into a partnership between McQueen and Cruz. McQueen learns that his role can include helping another racer succeed, while Cruz discovers that she belongs on the track herself. Their relationship gives Cars 3 a generational theme rather than making the story only about McQueen defeating a rival.

Cruz is voiced by Cristela Alonzo. Sally Carrera is McQueen’s friend and the attorney who lives in Radiator Springs, while Holley Shiftwell is a spy from Cars 2. Mia is one of the twin fans who appear in the first Cars film. Those characters are connected to McQueen, but only Cruz becomes his trainee and racing teammate in Cars 3.