In Pixar’s Cars, who provides the voice of the retired race car Doc Hudson?

In Pixar’s Cars, Paul Newman provides the voice of the retired race car Doc Hudson.

Doc Hudson is the local physician and judge in Radiator Springs, but the film gradually reveals that he once had a celebrated racing career. He was the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, a three-time Piston Cup champion whose career ended after a crash and a disappointing return to competition.

Newman was an especially meaningful choice for the role because he had a major connection to motorsport. He competed as a race-car driver, including in professional endurance events, and co-owned racing teams. His experience gave Doc’s racing memories added authenticity.

Cars became Newman’s final credited feature-film voice performance. The character’s history also draws on the real Hudson Hornet, an American car famous for its “step-down” design and success in early stock-car racing. Doc is therefore both a fictional character and a tribute to racing history.