Who wins the final race against Jackson Storm in Pixar's Cars 3?

Cruz Ramirez wins the final race against Jackson Storm in Pixar's Cars 3.

Lightning McQueen initially returns to racing after a new generation of high-tech competitors makes him look outdated. He trains with Cruz Ramirez, a former racing simulator instructor whose own potential becomes increasingly clear during their journey.

At the Florida International Super Speedway, McQueen begins the race against Jackson Storm but changes strategy. He enters the pits and lets Cruz take over his number 95 car. Cruz uses McQueen's experience and her own racing ability to pass Storm and win the event.

This ending is sometimes described as McQueen winning because he sets the plan in motion and helps Cruz. Officially, however, Cruz crosses the finish line first. The victory also establishes her as a new racer while McQueen moves toward a mentor role.