Doc Hudson becomes Lightning McQueen's mentor in Pixar's Cars.
Doc is the town doctor and judge in Radiator Springs, but he was once the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, a champion racer. His racing career ended after a crash and a painful loss of public attention, leaving him wary of the sport and reluctant to discuss his past.
When McQueen arrives as an arrogant young racer, Doc initially resents him. Their relationship changes as McQueen learns discipline, listens to the town, and discovers that racing history is more complicated than trophies and publicity.
Doc is voiced by Paul Newman, whose own public image as an actor and racing enthusiast added resonance to the role. Smokey and Louise Nash are connected to Hudson Hornet history in Cars 3, but neither is McQueen's mentor in the original film.