In Pixar's Cars, the retired racer revealed to be the Hudson Hornet is Doc Hudson.
Doc initially presents himself as Radiator Springs' respected physician and judge. Lightning McQueen eventually learns that Doc was once a celebrated race car known as the Fabulous Hudson Hornet. His racing career ended after a crash left him unable to compete.
Doc's history explains his harsh attitude toward McQueen. He dislikes the modern racing world because officials and fans quickly abandoned him after his injury. The film gradually shows that Doc still understands racing deeply, even though he has hidden that part of his life from the town.
The character is based on the real Hudson Hornet, a famous American automobile that achieved major success in stock-car racing during the early 1950s. Paul Newman provided Doc's voice, and the role became one of the actor's notable later voice performances.