In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez replaces Lightning McQueen as the winner of the Florida 500. Lightning gives Cruz his racing number and lets her finish the race after he realizes she is ready to compete against Jackson Storm.
Cruz begins the film as Lightning's trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center, not as an established Piston Cup star. Her background as a fan and simulator-trained coach initially makes her uncertain about taking the role of a racer. Training with Lightning helps her discover that she has both the ability and the desire to race.
The ending preserves Lightning's importance while changing his role. He chooses to continue racing under the guidance of Doc Hudson's memory, while Cruz begins her own career in the familiar number 95. Cruz's victory is sometimes described as Lightning's win because he remains central to the race, but the checkered flag and official victory belong to Cruz.