Doc Hudson was a Hudson Hornet racing champion before becoming a doctor in Cars.
Doc’s former identity is the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, a celebrated racer who won three Piston Cups in the 1950s. After a crash and a painful period of being ignored by the racing world, he left competition and became the medical doctor of Radiator Springs.
His history explains why Doc reacts strongly to Lightning McQueen’s reckless attitude. McQueen’s talent reminds Doc of his own racing past, but Doc also knows how quickly the sport can discard a damaged or aging champion. Their relationship develops from mistrust into mentorship as Doc helps McQueen prepare for the final race.
Doc is modeled on the real Hudson Hornet, a car associated with the “Fabulous Hudson Hornet” racing identity. Louise Nash, Junior Moon, and Smokey are also connected to the film’s racing history, but Doc is the character who becomes Radiator Springs’ doctor.