In Pixar's Cars, the retired racer revealed to have been the Hudson Hornet is Doc Hudson.
Doc serves as Radiator Springs' doctor and judge, but he initially hides his racing history from Lightning McQueen. He was once a celebrated competitor known as the Fabulous Hudson Hornet and won three Piston Cups before a serious crash ended his career.
The character's past explains his distrust of racing publicity and his impatience with Lightning's arrogance. After seeing Lightning's potential, Doc becomes his crew chief and helps him understand that racing skill is not enough without respect for teammates and rivals.
Doc Hudson is voiced by Paul Newman, whose real-life connection to racing gave the character added resonance. The Hudson Hornet was also a real American automobile model associated with stock-car racing, although the film turns it into a fictional champion's identity.