In Pixar’s Cars 3, who trains Lightning McQueen at the Rust-eze Racing Center?

In Pixar’s Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez trains Lightning McQueen at the Rust-eze Racing Center.

Cruz is a high-performance trainer assigned to help Lightning prepare for a new generation of race cars, especially the younger rival Jackson Storm. Her training methods include simulator work, physical conditioning, and exercises designed to improve Lightning’s speed and reactions.

Cruz initially dreams of becoming a racer herself, but she believes the opportunity is beyond her reach. Lightning’s experiences help her reconsider that assumption, and the film develops her from trainer into a competitor.

Cruz is voiced by Cristela Alonzo. Sally Carrera is Lightning’s friend in Radiator Springs, while Holley Shiftwell belongs primarily to the spy-focused story of Cars 2. Cruz’s role is specific to the training and racing arc of Cars 3.