Cars 3 introduced the race car Jackson Storm as Lightning McQueen’s rival.
Cars 3 was released in 2017 and centers on a new generation of high-tech racers. Jackson Storm is the leading example of that generation: he is faster, more aerodynamic, and supported by advanced training and simulation technology.
Storm’s dominance forces Lightning McQueen to confront the possibility that his racing career is ending. The conflict is not only about speed; it also explores changing technology, athletic aging, and the importance of passing knowledge to another competitor.
The film introduces Cruz Ramirez as McQueen’s trainer and eventual racing successor. Jackson Storm therefore serves as the central competitive obstacle in a story that shifts the franchise toward mentorship and legacy.