Cruz Ramirez is the rookie race car who challenges Lightning McQueen in Pixar’s Cars 3.
Cruz begins the film as Lightning’s high-tech trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. She is highly knowledgeable about modern racing methods, but she initially lacks confidence in her own ability to compete on the track.
As Lightning struggles against a younger generation of racers led by Jackson Storm, Cruz becomes increasingly important to the story. Lightning’s training program eventually helps her recognize that she has the talent and determination to become a racer herself.
In the final race, Cruz replaces Lightning in the competition and wins against Jackson Storm. Lightning then adopts a mentor role, echoing Doc Hudson’s influence while Cruz carries the next stage of the racing legacy.