Cruz Ramirez crosses the finish line first in the Florida 500 at the end of Pixar’s Cars 3.
Lightning McQueen initially returns to racing after struggling against the younger high-tech champion Jackson Storm. He trains with Cruz, a simulator expert who gradually discovers that she wants to compete rather than remain only a trainer.
During the Florida 500, Lightning changes strategy and gives Cruz the chance to race in his place. Cruz takes the number 95 car onto the track and defeats Jackson Storm, winning the race.
The victory does not simply replace Lightning with Cruz. The ending presents both racers as members of the same racing legacy: Cruz begins her career, while Lightning adopts a mentor role inspired by Doc Hudson.