In Pixar’s Cars 3, who trains Lightning McQueen after his crash?

Cruz Ramirez trains Lightning McQueen after his crash in Pixar’s Cars 3.

Cruz is a young, high-tech trainer working at the Rust-eze Racing Center. She initially helps Lightning prepare for a comeback against Jackson Storm, a new generation of faster racers. Her training methods include modern simulation technology, which contrasts with Lightning’s older racing experience.

The relationship changes as Cruz’s own driving ability and ambitions become clearer. Lightning eventually recognizes that Cruz is not merely a trainer and supports her opportunity to race. Their partnership is one of the film’s central emotional developments.

Sally Carrera is Lightning’s friend and romantic partner, while Chick Hicks is his rival from the first film. Neither fills Cruz’s training role. Cars 3 was released in 2017 and focuses on the conflict between veteran racers and advanced newcomers.