Who drives Lightning McQueen in the final race of Pixar's Cars 3?
Answer
Cruz Ramirez
Cruz Ramirez drives Lightning McQueen in the final race of Pixar's Cars 3.
McQueen gives Cruz the chance to take over his car during the decisive Florida 500 race. Cruz, originally presented as a trainer and racing enthusiast, proves that she can compete at the highest level. McQueen supports her after recognizing her talent and confidence.
Cruz races in McQueen's familiar number 95 paint scheme and defeats Jackson Storm. The ending changes the meaning of McQueen's career: he remains important to the racing world, but he also becomes a mentor who helps a new racer succeed.
Cruz is voiced by Cristela Alonzo in the English-language film. Louise Nash, a legendary racer from an earlier generation, appears in McQueen's training story but does not drive him in the final race. Cars 3 was released in 2017 and was directed by Brian Fee.