In Pixar’s Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez trains with Lightning McQueen before becoming his racing partner.
Cruz is introduced as McQueen’s trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. She uses modern coaching techniques and virtual-reality simulation, but she has also dreamed of becoming a racer herself. McQueen initially focuses on defeating Jackson Storm and treats Cruz mainly as a support vehicle.
Cristela Alonzo voices Cruz Ramirez. Her story becomes central when McQueen recognizes that her speed, instincts, and determination deserve a chance on the track. After training together, Cruz replaces McQueen in the decisive Florida 500 and races Storm. The film presents her success as a continuation of McQueen’s legacy rather than a simple replacement, while McQueen takes on a mentor role modeled partly on Doc Hudson.