Which rival defeats Lightning McQueen in the opening race of Pixar’s Cars 3?

Jackson Storm defeats Lightning McQueen in the opening race of Pixar’s Cars 3.

Storm is a next-generation race car whose advanced design and training make him faster than many established competitors. He wins the opening race of the film, beginning a run of victories that threatens Lightning’s place in the Piston Cup racing world.

Armie Hammer provides Jackson Storm’s English-language voice. The character represents a new technological era in racing, contrasting with Lightning’s older model and more traditional experience. His success encourages team owners to replace veteran racers with younger, computer-optimized competitors.

Jackson Storm should not be confused with Chick Hicks, Lightning’s principal rival in the first Cars movie. Cars 3 introduces Storm as a new antagonist and uses his dominance to set up Lightning’s decision to seek new training and eventually mentor Cruz Ramirez.