Which character trains Cruz Ramirez to race in Pixar's Cars 3?

Lightning McQueen trains Cruz Ramirez to race in Pixar's Cars 3. Although Cruz begins as a high-tech racing trainer, Lightning helps her discover and develop her own ability as a competitive driver.

At the start of Cars 3, Cruz works at the Rust-eze Racing Center and is assigned to train Lightning after newer racers make him feel obsolete. Their relationship reverses expectations: Lightning initially needs her technical coaching, while Cruz later needs encouragement to believe she belongs on the track.

The film builds toward the Florida 500, where Lightning changes his strategy and gives Cruz the opportunity to race. She takes the number 95 and competes against Jackson Storm, the dominant next-generation racer.

Doc Hudson is Lightning's mentor in the first film, and Smokey helps Lightning understand Doc's past in Cars 3. Neither trains Cruz for her decisive race. Cruz is voiced by Cristela Alonzo, while Lightning is voiced by Owen Wilson.