In Pixar’s Cars, Doc Hudson is the retired three-time Piston Cup champion living in Radiator Springs.
Doc initially appears to be the town’s physician, but Lightning McQueen discovers that he once raced as the Fabulous Hudson Hornet. Doc won three Piston Cups before a severe crash and the racing world’s loss of interest ended his competitive career. He later became Radiator Springs’ local doctor and judge.
Doc’s history gives the film an important contrast between past and present. Lightning is a young racer focused on fame, while Doc represents an earlier generation that was pushed aside by the sport. Their relationship changes when Doc agrees to train Lightning and later supports him during the Piston Cup finale.
The King is also a champion, but he is still actively racing during the first film. Chick Hicks is Lightning’s aggressive rival, and Lightning himself has not yet won the championship when the story begins.