Doc Hudson was once the famous Piston Cup champion known as the Fabulous Hudson Hornet in Pixar’s Cars. He later lives quietly in Radiator Springs and serves as the town’s judge and doctor.
Doc’s racing career ended after a crash caused by a tire blowout. Although he recovered, the racing world moved on, and his accomplishments were largely forgotten. His history explains his guarded attitude toward Lightning McQueen.
Doc is based on the real Hudson Hornet, a car produced by the Hudson Motor Car Company. The real vehicle was especially successful in early stock-car racing, including NASCAR competition.
Paul Newman provided Doc Hudson’s voice in the first Cars film. Doc’s story is one of the film’s major lessons: a person’s value is not limited to current fame or professional success.