Giardina, Carolyn (January 16, 2018). "Visual Effects Society Awards: 'Apes,' 'Blade Runner 2049' Lead Feature Nominees". Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 16, 2018 . Retrieved January 16, 2018. When we cut to Lighting's crew as he passes the next-gens one by one in the Los Angeles 500, all are smiling confidently (Mater even cheers him on), but Guido looks worried, as if something might go wrong. Guess what happens to Lightning just a few minutes later! After the tiebreaker race, Doc says to Lightning, "You've got a lot of stuff, kid." Following the Florida 500 after Lightning wins his bet with Sterling and Cruz being surrounded by the paparazzi, he quotes to himself, "Kid's got a lot of stuff...eh, Doc?".

Also, Doc Hudson in a sense. After only receiving a few passing mentions in Cars 2, he posthumously plays a major part in this movie.Abandoned Catchphrase: Lightning doesn't use his catchphrase "Ka-chow!" (or variations of it) once throughout the film. Dr. Damage crushes the competition with the speed and agility of an emergency vehicle on high alert. He made a career of racing to the hospital; now he sends his challengers there. He and Arvy are Crazy Eight regulars and have a fan base of their own. The closing song "Ride". It generally focuses on Lightning and his love of racing, but the second verse likely refers to Cruz and her rise to becoming a racer, and her excitement about learning to be one with help from her idol. When the scene of Lightning's crash was shown at the Detroit Auto Show to promote the movie, Lightning has his regular racing getup, and some sounds were different (there's a lighter clang sound coupled with a pained grunt as Lighting hits the outer wall). In the actual film, Lightning is in his pre-crash livery during that scene.

Non-Protagonist Resolver: Lightning does not finish the Florida 500, but Cruz does under his number. Because of this, they are both considered winners. Darkest Hour: After the Crazy 8, Lightning is upset that he’s come no close to being faster than Storm, Cruz resigns as his trainer, and Natalie predicts Lightning’s retirement is imminent, which shakes his confidence.Lawrence, Derek (January 19, 2017). "Cars 3 star Owen Wilson to act as Grand Marshal for Daytona 500". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved April 4, 2021. Older Hero vs. Younger Villain: McQueen, a racing legend by now vs. Storm, the first of a new generation, though Storm is more of a Jerkass Rival than an outright villain. Disney Announces Release Dates for 'Incredibles 2,' 'Cars 3' ". Variety. October 8, 2015. Archived from the original on January 24, 2018 . Retrieved March 20, 2016. Hey! I'm driving (Dr. Damage crashes into the side of him) here!" - Faregame shouting at McQueen after he attempted to ram him out of the way, but hit Arvy instead, Cars 3