It mirrors the relationship McQueen had with Doc Hudson, coming full circle as McQueen shifts from student to teacher.

The film follows legendary racer , who finds himself outpaced by a new generation of high-tech "Next-Gen" racers led by the arrogant Jackson Storm . After a devastating crash that threatens his career, McQueen attempts a comeback with the help of Cruz Ramirez , an eager young race technician with her own untapped racing potential.

Owen Wilson (Lightning McQueen), Cristela Alonzo (Cruz Ramirez), Chris Cooper (Smokey), and Armie Hammer (Jackson Storm) Music: Original score by Randy Newman