Doc Hudson

Doctor Hudson Hornet (better known as "Doc Hudson" or simply "Doc") is voiced by actor Paul Newman. His license plate reads 51HHMD. Doc, once known as the Fabulous Hudson Hornet (#51), was once one of the most famous racecars to have ever lived, holding three Piston Cup titles and the record for most wins in a single season -- a record that remain unbroken at the time of the film -- 27. All that changed for the famous Hornet when a terrible crash on the track at the qualifying race in 1954 saw him put out for the season. Upon his return, he was received with a complete absence of fanfare and told that he was a has-been who had been passed up for the next rookie in line. Keeping a picture of the wreck that ended his career from an old newspaper, he uses it as a reminder to never return to the life that nearly destroyed him.
 
 

Jaded by the racing scene, he left that world, apparently taking out time to study medicine. The famous #51 disappeared into obscurity, leaving many wondering where he had gone. He instead opted for a simple navy blue paint job and the life of a doctor in the tiny town of Radiator Springs, the "shining jewel" of the mother road - Route 66. He runs Doc's clinic. As times changed and the town got bypassed in favor of Interstate 40, Doc stayed on, even when the population had dwindled to a meager dozen or so residents. He is respected, well-loved, and serves not only as the town's physician, but as its judge, as well. After meeting the young hot shot Lightning McQueen, Doc found himself seeing far too much of himself in the #95 rookie. Doc called the news and press who rushed over in droves and took McQueen on to the Piston Cup. Seeing how disheartened everyone was, Doc took back his old #51 colors to become the young racer's pit crew chief. By the end of the film, Doc has opted to keep his racing colors and becomes a trainer as well as crew chief to the young McQueen.