Cars 3 introduced Cruz Ramirez as a racing trainer.
Cruz works at the Rust-eze Racing Center, where she uses modern training technology to prepare competitors. She is initially assigned to help Lightning McQueen, but their relationship changes as she discovers that she also has the ability and desire to race.
The character gives Cars 3 a second central perspective on racing. Lightning is an established champion trying to adapt, while Cruz is a talented newcomer whose confidence has been limited by other people's expectations.
Cruz Ramirez is voiced by Cristela Alonzo. Her yellow design contrasts with Lightning's red and Jackson Storm's dark blue. By the end of the film, Cruz takes on a new role in the racing world while maintaining her connection with Lightning and the Radiator Springs community.