In Pixar’s Cars, retired Piston Cup champion Doc Hudson mentors Lightning McQueen.
Doc is the town’s local doctor in Radiator Springs, but he once had a celebrated racing career. He won three Piston Cups before a serious crash ended his competitive future. The racing world then largely forgot him, leaving Doc bitter about the way veteran drivers can be discarded when they are no longer useful to sponsors.
McQueen initially treats Doc and Radiator Springs as obstacles delaying his journey to the championship race. Their relationship changes when McQueen learns about Doc’s past and begins to understand the value of experience, patience, and community. Doc eventually helps McQueen prepare for the Piston Cup finale.
Doc Hudson is voiced by Paul Newman, whose own public image as an actor and racing enthusiast added resonance to the character. Doc’s story is separate from The King, another veteran racer who remains active in the film.