In Pixar's Cars, Doc Hudson is revealed to have been the Fabulous Hudson Hornet.
Doc is the local physician and judge in Radiator Springs, but his past is connected to the Piston Cup. He was a celebrated racer who won three Piston Cup championships before a crash ended his racing career. The town's residents respect him even though he initially hides his history from Lightning McQueen.
The Fabulous Hudson Hornet is based on the real Hudson Hornet, a car famous for its success in early stock-car racing. In the film, Doc's racing identity explains both his driving ability and his frustration with the racing world.
Paul Newman voiced Doc Hudson in Cars. Because Newman died in 2008, Doc has only a limited role in Cars 3, which uses archival dialogue from the first film.