Paul Newman voices the retired racing champion Doc Hudson in Pixar’s Cars.
Doc Hudson is a blue 1951 Hudson Hornet who hides his former identity when Lightning McQueen arrives in Radiator Springs. He once won three Piston Cups and became known as the Fabulous Hudson Hornet. His career ended after a crash and an unsuccessful attempt to return to competition.
Newman brought particular significance to the role because he had a major career as both an actor and a racing enthusiast. He competed professionally in motorsport, including endurance events, and co-owned a successful racing team. That background helped make his performance as Doc Hudson especially fitting.
Doc’s character is partly inspired by the real Hudson Hornet, a car celebrated for its success in early stock-car racing. The film uses Doc’s history to connect older racing traditions with McQueen’s modern celebrity.