What is the name of Lightning McQueen's trainer in Cars 3?

Lightning McQueen’s trainer in Cars 3 is Cruz Ramirez. Sterling assigns Cruz to train McQueen at the Rust-eze Racing Center after McQueen returns to competition and struggles against the newer generation of racers.

Cruz is more than a conventional coach: she is also a technician who develops unconventional training exercises. Her work with McQueen includes simulator practice, speed testing, demolition-derby experience, and the old-school lessons McQueen later receives from Smokey and Doc Hudson’s former racing friends.

A common mix-up is Smokey. Smokey becomes McQueen’s crew chief and mentor during the Thomasville training sequence, but he is not the trainer initially assigned to him in Cars 3. Sterling is the team owner who makes the assignment, while Cruz is the named trainer.

Cruz’s own racing ambitions become central to the film. At the Florida 500, McQueen gives her his place in the race, allowing her to use what she learned from him and Smokey. She defeats Jackson Storm and later begins racing for Dinoco, choosing number 51 as a tribute to Doc Hudson.