In Pixar’s Cars, the former Piston Cup champion revealed to be the town doctor is Doc Hudson.
Doc initially appears to be a stern local physician in Radiator Springs. Later, the film reveals that he was once the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, a celebrated racer who won three Piston Cups before a serious crash ended his career.
The character’s history explains his hostility toward Lightning McQueen. Doc recognizes McQueen’s talent but sees the rookie’s arrogance as a reminder of the racing world that rejected him after his accident. His relationship with McQueen gradually changes as the newcomer learns humility and community.
Doc Hudson is modeled after the real Hudson Hornet, a car associated with stock-car racing success in the early 1950s. Paul Newman provided Doc’s voice in Cars, one of his final major voice performances.