Which former racing champion is voiced by Paul Newman in Pixar’s Cars?

Doc Hudson, a former racing champion, is voiced by Paul Newman in Pixar’s Cars.

Doc is the town doctor and judge of Radiator Springs, but he secretly has a celebrated history as the Fabulous Hudson Hornet. His racing career ended after a crash and a long recovery, followed by years in which the racing world moved on without him. He initially resents Lightning McQueen’s careless attitude toward racing and small towns.

Newman’s performance gave Doc a calm, seasoned voice that contrasted with Lightning’s youthful confidence. Newman was a real-life actor and former racing driver, making his association with the character especially fitting. He competed professionally in motorsports and co-owned a racing team.

Doc is based on the Hudson Hornet, an actual American car model produced in the 1950s. The character should not be confused with The King, another veteran racer, or Chick Hicks, Lightning’s aggressive rival in the first film.