Doc Hudson is revealed in Pixar’s Cars to have been the 1951 and 1952 Hudson Hornet champion.
Doc is the town doctor and judge in Radiator Springs, but his past is exposed when Lightning McQueen discovers newspaper clippings about the famous Fabulous Hudson Hornet. Doc won three Piston Cups during his racing career, including championships in 1951, 1952, and 1953.
His career ended after a crash left him unable to compete, and he became disillusioned when the racing world moved on without him. That history explains why Doc initially resents Lightning’s fame and refuses to serve as his crew chief.
Doc Hudson is voiced by Paul Newman, whose own reputation as a racing enthusiast added resonance to the role. The character is based on the real Hudson Hornet automobile and its stock-car racing legacy.