Doc Hudson is the retired champion who once raced as the Fabulous Hudson Hornet in Pixar’s Cars.
Doc lives as the town doctor in Radiator Springs, concealing his former identity from Lightning McQueen. When Lightning learns the truth, he discovers that Doc won three Piston Cups before a crash ended his racing career. Doc’s experience makes him the most knowledgeable racing mentor in town.
The Fabulous Hudson Hornet is a tribute to the real Hudson Hornet, a car associated with early NASCAR success in the 1950s. The character’s name, styling and racing history connect the fictional story to that important period of American stock-car racing.
Doc is not the same champion as The King. Both have three Piston Cup victories, but The King is Strip Weathers, a contemporary racer whose public career continues during the first film. Doc’s story is about retirement, disappointment and rediscovering his connection with racing.