In Pixar’s Cars, Doc Hudson was once a three-time Piston Cup champion.
Doc is a 1951 Hudson Hornet who secretly lives in Radiator Springs as the town’s physician. His racing history is revealed when McQueen discovers that Doc won the Piston Cup in 1951, 1952, and 1953.
Doc’s career ended after a crash left him sidelined. Although he returned to racing, the publicity and attention he received afterward made him reject the sport. He eventually became a respected but guarded member of Radiator Springs.
Paul Newman voiced Doc Hudson in Cars. The character was inspired partly by the real Hudson Hornet, a car famous for its success in early stock-car racing, especially through the use of innovative “step-down” construction.