In Pixar’s Cars, Doc Hudson won the Piston Cup three times.
Doc’s past is revealed as the story unfolds. Before becoming Radiator Springs’ doctor and judge, he was the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, a celebrated racer who won three Piston Cups. His career ended after a serious crash and a period of being ignored by the racing world.
The Piston Cup is the film’s fictional premier stock-car championship. Its name and presentation draw heavily on NASCAR, while the Dinoco racing team serves as one of the sport’s most prestigious teams. Lightning McQueen, Chick Hicks, and The King compete for the cup in the film’s climactic race.
Doc’s history explains his initial hostility toward McQueen. He sees the rookie’s arrogance as a reminder of the way racing treated him, but eventually becomes McQueen’s mentor and racing strategist.