In Pixar's Cars 3, who trains Lightning McQueen after he returns to racing?

In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez trains Lightning McQueen after he returns to racing.

Cruz is a modern yellow trainer and racing technician working at the Rust-eze Racing Center. She is assigned to help Lightning prepare for the next season after a new generation of racers, led by Jackson Storm, makes older competitors look outdated. Their early sessions are difficult because Lightning wants traditional racing practice while Cruz uses data, simulators, and modern equipment.

Cruz initially sees herself as a trainer rather than a professional racer. Her background, however, includes a strong childhood ambition to compete. As the story develops, Lightning recognizes her ability and helps create an opportunity for her to race.

A common mix-up is to identify Sally as Lightning's trainer. Sally is Lightning's partner and a Radiator Springs resident, while Cruz is the character responsible for his formal training in Cars 3. Their partnership ultimately changes both racers' futures.