Cruz Ramirez trains Lightning McQueen after he falls behind newer racers in Pixar’s Cars 3.
Cruz is a high-performance trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. She initially approaches Lightning with simulator-based methods, fitness routines, and technical analysis designed for modern racers. Their partnership changes when Lightning’s traditional experience and Cruz’s untapped racing ability begin to complement each other.
The film uses Cruz’s training relationship with Lightning to examine mentorship, confidence, and changing opportunities in motorsport. Lightning starts by treating her as a coach, but he gradually recognizes that she has the talent to compete herself.
Cruz is voiced by Cristela Alonzo in the English-language version. Sally Carrera is Lightning’s partner, while Smokey is a former racer who later helps Lightning understand Doc Hudson’s history and training philosophy.