In Pixar's Cars, Radiator Springs' local judge and former race car is Doc Hudson.
Doc initially appears to be a stern Hudson Hornet who presides over the small town. He is later revealed to have been the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, a celebrated racer who won three Piston Cup championships in the early 1950s. His racing career ended after a serious crash, after which the racing world moved on without him.
Doc's history explains his distrust of celebrity racers and his impatience with Lightning McQueen's arrogance. He eventually becomes McQueen's racing mentor, teaching him that speed is not enough without control, awareness, and respect for others.
The character is voiced by Paul Newman, whose own reputation as a racing enthusiast added resonance to the role. The Fabulous Hudson Hornet was based on a real 1950s Hudson Hornet, a car famous for its success in early stock-car racing.