In Pixar's Cars, Doc Hudson is the retired racing legend who mentors Lightning McQueen in Radiator Springs.
Doc is introduced as Radiator Springs' respected doctor, but the film gradually reveals that he was once the famous Fabulous Hudson Hornet. His racing career ended after a crash and a long recovery, followed by frustration with the racing world that had moved on without him.
Doc initially dislikes Lightning's arrogance and refuses to help him. After seeing Lightning's determination and learning humility, however, Doc becomes his crew chief for the Piston Cup finale. The mentoring relationship connects the film's small-town setting with stock-car racing history.
Doc Hudson was voiced by Paul Newman, whose own association with racing made the character especially notable. The character is inspired by the real Hudson Hornet, a car celebrated for its early-1950s NASCAR success, although Doc's personal story is fictional.