Lightning McQueen trains with Cruz Ramirez in Pixar's Cars 3.
Cruz Ramirez is introduced as a high-tech trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. She initially coaches Lightning using modern simulation equipment and data-driven methods, but their relationship changes when Lightning seeks more traditional and demanding preparation.
The film centers on Lightning's struggle against a new generation of faster racers, especially Jackson Storm. Lightning's sponsor sends him to train under new methods, and his journey eventually takes him to places connected with his racing mentor, Doc Hudson. Cruz's own potential becomes increasingly important as the story develops.
Cars 3 was released in 2017 and focuses more directly on racing, aging, mentorship, and succession than Cars 2. Cruz Ramirez is voiced by Cristela Alonzo. She is not a character from Cars 2, and she should not be confused with Sally Carrera, Lightning's friend and the attorney of Radiator Springs.