In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez becomes the racer representing Rust-eze in the final Florida 500.
McQueen initially enters the race after training Cruz, but the contest changes when Cruz takes his place on the track. She reveals that she is not only a gifted trainer but also a capable racer whose long-held ambition has been overlooked. McQueen supports her and helps her compete against Jackson Storm.
The Florida 500 therefore becomes a handoff between generations rather than a simple return to McQueen's old career. Cruz wins the race, while McQueen adopts Doc Hudson's old number and begins a new role as her mentor. This ending is distinct from the earlier films, where McQueen himself remains the central race winner.