Which character becomes the new racer for Rust-eze at the end of Pixar's Cars 3?

Cruz Ramirez becomes Rust-eze's new racer at the end of Pixar's Cars 3.

After training Lightning McQueen, Cruz discovers that she has the ability and determination to compete at the highest level. In the climactic Florida 500, she takes over the race and defeats Jackson Storm, while Lightning supports her from the pit area.

The ending does not simply retire Lightning. He adopts Doc Hudson's old racing colors and begins a new role as Cruz's mentor, echoing Doc's relationship with him. Cruz therefore carries the Rust-eze racing legacy forward while Lightning remains part of the team.

Cruz is not Lightning's teammate in Cars 3 in the same way Cal Weathers is a Piston Cup competitor. She becomes Rust-eze's primary racer after the film's turning point.