In Pixar’s Cars, Doc Hudson is revealed to have been the famous race car Hudson Hornet.
Doc is the town’s physician and judge, but he once had a celebrated racing career. He won three Piston Cup championships and was known as the Fabulous Hudson Hornet. His career ended after a crash left him sidelined, and he became frustrated when racing fans quickly moved on to newer stars.
Doc initially hides this history from Lightning McQueen. He dislikes Lightning’s arrogant attitude and does not want to relive the parts of racing that caused him pain. Later, Doc agrees to train Lightning, using his experience to teach him control, patience, and respect for the track.
The character is inspired by the real Hudson Hornet, a car associated with early stock-car racing success in the 1950s. The film’s Doc Hudson was voiced by Paul Newman, whose performance was one of his final major film roles. Doc should not be confused with Strip Weathers, known as The King.