In Pixar's Cars, Lightning McQueen meets the retired racer Doc Hudson in Radiator Springs.
Doc initially presents himself as the town's doctor and judge, but Lightning eventually discovers that he was once a celebrated Piston Cup champion. Doc's racing career ended after a crash and an era of neglect from the racing world, leaving him skeptical of Lightning's fame-seeking attitude.
Doc Hudson is modeled after the Hudson Hornet, a real automobile associated with early stock-car racing. The character was voiced by Paul Newman, whose performance became one of the film's most recognizable elements. Doc's story helps the film contrast Lightning's youthful ambition with the experience of an older champion who understands that racing history is about more than trophies.