In Pixar's Cars 3, who is the rookie racer designed to challenge Lightning McQueen?

In Pixar's Cars 3, the rookie racer designed to challenge Lightning McQueen is Jackson Storm.

Storm represents a new generation of high-tech racers. He is faster, younger, and supported by advanced training and simulation systems, making Lightning's traditional experience appear outdated. His rapid success drives the film's central conflict and forces Lightning to reconsider how he can remain competitive.

Armie Hammer provides Storm's English voice. The character is deliberately presented as a foil to Lightning: Storm is confident and dismissive, while Lightning must learn humility and adapt. Their rivalry is not the same as Lightning's earlier conflict with Chick Hicks in Cars, who was a veteran racer with a more aggressive style.

Cruz Ramirez eventually becomes crucial to the story, but she begins as Lightning's trainer rather than the rookie rival introduced as the sport's dominant new threat. Storm's racing number is 20.