In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez replaces Lightning McQueen as Rust-eze’s racer at the film’s end.
Cruz begins the story as a trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. Although she has racing ability, she lacks confidence because she has been directed toward coaching rather than competing. Her work with Lightning gradually reveals that she has the speed and determination to race at the top level.
After Lightning chooses to support Cruz, she enters the Piston Cup race in his place. She defeats Jackson Storm and becomes Rust-eze’s new racer, while Lightning adopts a mentoring role. The ending preserves Lightning’s connection to racing without requiring him to remain the team’s active competitor.
Cruz is voiced by Cristela Alonzo. Her arc is one of the film’s central themes: experience can be passed on, and a changing sport can create opportunities for a new generation.