Which fictional racing rival challenges Lightning McQueen in Pixar's Cars 3?

Jackson Storm is the fictional racing rival who challenges Lightning McQueen in Pixar's Cars 3.

Storm represents a new generation of racers built with advanced technology and optimized aerodynamics. His speed and modern design make McQueen's traditional approach look increasingly outdated, creating the central conflict of the film.

The rivalry begins when Storm dominates the racing circuit and McQueen struggles to keep pace. McQueen then works with trainer Cruz Ramirez, whose coaching and driving ability become essential to his attempt to remain competitive.

Jackson Storm is different from Chick Hicks, the principal antagonist of the first Cars, and Francesco Bernoulli, McQueen's major racing rival in Cars 2. Cal Weathers is another racer in the Cars 3 world, but he is portrayed as a competitor connected to the older racing generation rather than the film's main futuristic challenger.