Cars 3 features Cruz Ramirez becoming a racing champion.
Cruz Ramirez begins the film as a trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center, where she helps prepare Lightning McQueen for competition. Her confidence is initially limited by the belief that she belongs in a support role rather than behind the wheel. As the story develops, McQueen recognizes her talent and helps her pursue a racing career of her own.
Cruz ultimately replaces McQueen in the decisive race against Jackson Storm and wins, becoming the new champion. McQueen then adopts Doc Hudson’s old racing colors and continues as Cruz’s mentor. This ending makes Cars 3 both a continuation of McQueen’s story and a transition to a new lead racer. Cruz is voiced by Cristela Alonzo, while McQueen is voiced by Owen Wilson.