In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez becomes Lightning McQueen's trainer and later races for the Dinoco team.
Cruz begins the film as a trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. She uses modern simulation and fitness techniques, but she has never fulfilled her own ambition to compete as a professional racer.
McQueen initially treats Cruz as a coach rather than a possible successor. Their journey reveals that Cruz has the speed, skill, and determination needed for top-level competition. The film's climax gives her the opportunity to race in the Piston Cup.
After the final race, Cruz takes over McQueen's Dinoco racing identity, while McQueen adopts a mentor role influenced by Doc Hudson. Cristela Alonzo voices Cruz. Her storyline is distinct from McQueen's: it is about recognizing an unrealized racing talent, not simply replacing an older champion.