In Pixar’s Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez becomes the Piston Cup champion after winning the Florida 500.
Cruz begins the film as a highly skilled trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. She initially lacks confidence in her own ability to compete, especially after years of coaching newer racers rather than pursuing a racing career herself.
During the Florida 500, Cruz takes over McQueen’s race car and proves that she can compete with the next generation of racers. Her victory over Jackson Storm establishes her as the new champion and completes the film’s central passing-of-the-torch story.
Lightning McQueen does not win this race, although his guidance and decision to let Cruz compete are essential to the outcome. Jackson Storm is Cruz’s main rival, while Cal Weathers is an established racer from an earlier part of the film.