In Pixar's Cars 3, who is the young trainer assigned to coach Lightning McQueen?

In Pixar's Cars 3, the young trainer assigned to coach Lightning McQueen is Cruz Ramirez.

Cruz is a high-performance trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. She initially works with modern simulation systems and exercises designed for the next generation of racers. After Lightning's early attempts to regain competitiveness, she becomes closely involved in his training and eventually joins him on the road.

Cruz is not merely Lightning's mechanic or public-relations assistant. Her own racing ability becomes central to the story, especially when she realizes that she has always wanted to compete. Lightning's experience helps her pursue that goal, while Cruz's speed and understanding of newer racing methods help him adapt. The character is voiced by Cristela Alonzo. A common mix-up is identifying Sally Carrera, Lightning's friend and romantic partner, as his Cars 3 trainer; Sally remains associated with Radiator Springs rather than the Rust-eze training program. Cruz later becomes an important racer in the Cars series.