In Pixar's Cars 3, who was Doc Hudson's mentor?

Smokey was Doc Hudson's mentor in Pixar's Cars 3.

Smokey is introduced as an older mechanic and former racer living in Thomasville, Georgia. He knew Doc Hudson during Doc's racing years and helps Lightning McQueen understand the lessons behind Doc's career. Smokey's guidance becomes especially important as McQueen searches for a way to compete without simply copying younger racers.

The character explains that Doc's greatest satisfaction came not only from winning, but also from helping other racers. This history gives emotional context to the friendship between Doc and McQueen in the first Cars. Smokey's workshop and stories connect the present-day plot to the earlier generation of racers.

Smokey is voiced by Chris Cooper in the English version. He should not be confused with Louise Nash, another Thomasville racing legend, or with Tex Dinoco, a business owner and racing sponsor. Sally Carrera is McQueen's friend in Radiator Springs and has no mentor relationship with Doc.