Who becomes the racer representing Rust-eze at the end of Pixar’s Cars 3?

Cruz Ramirez becomes the racer representing Rust-eze at the end of Pixar’s Cars 3. She begins the film as Lightning McQueen’s trainer but discovers that she has the skill and desire to compete.

Cruz has always loved racing, yet she was directed toward a training role because others doubted that she could succeed on the track. Lightning eventually recognizes her talent and gives her the chance to race. She takes over his place in the final competition against Jackson Storm and wins the race.

Afterward, Cruz becomes Rust-eze’s new racer while Lightning takes on a mentoring role. The ending preserves Lightning’s connection to racing without requiring him to remain the team’s sole competitor. Cruz’s yellow design and energetic personality also make her one of the franchise’s most prominent new characters.