Herb Thomas inspired the character Doc Hudson in Pixar's Cars.
Doc Hudson is a retired 1951 Hudson Hornet and a former champion who becomes Radiator Springs' doctor and McQueen's mentor. His racing history reflects Herb Thomas, a major NASCAR driver who won the 1951 and 1953 Grand National championships driving a Hudson Hornet. The real Hudson Hornet was especially famous for its early stock-car success.
Paul Newman voiced Doc Hudson in Cars. Newman was also a noted racing enthusiast and had competed professionally, which added personal credibility to the character's connection with motorsport. Doc's quiet authority comes from both his medical role and the career he keeps hidden from McQueen at first.
Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt are genuine NASCAR legends, but neither is the specific historical inspiration named for Doc Hudson. The character is fictional, while Thomas's championship record and Hudson Hornet racing legacy are real.