Cruz Ramirez becomes Lightning McQueen’s new race partner in Pixar’s Cars 3.
Cruz begins the film as a highly trained racing trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. She is younger and more technologically oriented than Lightning, and she initially helps him prepare for competition against Jackson Storm. Her own talent becomes clearer as the story develops, especially when she gains confidence in her racing ability.
During the Florida 500, Lightning chooses to let Cruz take his place in the race. She uses the number 95 and ultimately defeats Jackson Storm, while Lightning supports her from the pit area. The handoff allows Lightning to continue racing while also becoming a mentor.
Cruz is different from Sally Carrera, Lightning’s romantic partner and a lawyer in Radiator Springs. She is also distinct from Holley Shiftwell, a spy character from Cars 2. Those characters are connected to Lightning, but neither becomes his new racing partner in Cars 3.