Who is the main high-tech racing rival of Lightning McQueen in Cars 3?

Jackson Storm is Lightning McQueen’s main high-tech racing rival in Cars 3.

Storm represents a new generation of racers built around advanced simulation, data analysis, and aerodynamic design. His arrival makes McQueen and several veteran competitors look outdated, creating the central conflict of the film. Storm’s sleek black-and-blue appearance contrasts with McQueen’s familiar red design.

In the story, Storm dominates the Piston Cup season and defeats McQueen in repeated races. McQueen then works with trainer Cruz Ramirez at the Rust-eze Racing Center to improve his performance. The rivalry ultimately becomes part of a broader story about adapting to change and making room for new competitors.

Jackson Storm is voiced by Armie Hammer in the English-language version. He is not the same character as Chick Hicks, McQueen’s principal rival in the first Cars film, or Francesco Bernoulli, the Formula-style racer featured in Cars 2.