Who wins the Florida 500 in Pixar's Cars 3?

Cruz Ramirez wins the Florida 500 in Pixar's Cars 3.

Cruz is introduced as Lightning McQueen's high-tech trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. Although she initially sees herself as a trainer rather than a professional racer, her talent becomes clear as she learns from Lightning and gains confidence.

At the Florida 500, Lightning gives Cruz the opportunity to race against Jackson Storm. She takes over for him and uses her speed, skill, and knowledge of racing lines to defeat Storm and win the event.

The ending presents Cruz as the next generation of racers while Lightning moves into a mentoring role. The film therefore treats victory as part of a broader transition between generations, rather than simply another championship for Lightning.