In Pixar's Cars, the judge and former racer known as the Fabulous Hudson Hornet is Doc Hudson.
Doc is the town doctor and a respected judge in Radiator Springs. Lightning initially sees him as an ordinary older car, but later learns that Doc was once a celebrated racer and three-time Piston Cup champion.
The Fabulous Hudson Hornet is based on the real Hudson Hornet, a car famous for its success in early stock-car racing. The fictional Doc's history also reflects the way older racing heroes can be forgotten when public attention moves on to newer stars.
Paul Newman voiced Doc Hudson in Cars, making the role especially notable because Newman was himself associated with racing as a driver and team owner. Doc's advice eventually helps Lightning understand that winning is not the only measure of a meaningful life.