In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez wins the Florida 500 after Lightning McQueen changes his racing plan.
Lightning initially returns to the track at the Florida 500 to challenge Jackson Storm. During the race, he realizes that Cruz has the ability and desire to compete. He gives her his racing identity and encourages her to take his place, allowing her to enter the event as the Rust-eze racer.
Cruz uses the skills she developed through training with Lightning and overtakes Storm to win the race. Her victory completes her transition from trainer to professional racer and gives Lightning a new role as a mentor.
Lightning does not win the Florida 500, although he remains central to the outcome. Cruz's victory also differs from the ending of the first Cars film, where Lightning sacrifices a likely win to help The King. Cars 3 therefore closes with both a new champion and a continuing connection to Doc Hudson's legacy.