Cars 3 introduces Jackson Storm as Lightning McQueen's main rival.
Jackson Storm belongs to a new generation of highly engineered racers who are faster and more technologically advanced than the veteran competitors. His dominance forces Lightning to confront the possibility that experience and reputation may no longer be enough to keep him at the top of the sport.
The story shifts between Lightning's training, his relationship with Cruz Ramirez, and the larger question of how athletes respond to changing technology. Storm's sleek design and confident personality make him a clear contrast to Lightning, whose identity is tied to years of racing and the support of older sponsors.
Cars 2 features Francesco Bernoulli as Lightning's principal racing rival, while the original Cars centers on Chick Hicks and The King. Jackson Storm is therefore specifically associated with Cars 3. Armie Hammer provides Storm's voice in the English-language version.