I honestly think this is another case where we are supposed to cheer for a new-coming character which will replace the main character with whom we already have sympathized a lot. This can never work. No matter how sad that new character's backstory os supposed to be, they cannot replace the main character and take away all the glory from him. Pixar wanted to give a very good message, that the new generation, always will surpass the old one. But life already teaches us that. This movie was supposed to be McQueen overcoming this obstacle, so we could really call him a legend.
Now back to Cruz. I dont hate her, she reminded me of myself, I always dreamed big but had low hopes. But she is not a character lovable enough, for her to be a character that will replace McQueen.
McQueen surpassed Doc, thats true, but we never saw McQueen race in front of him making him understand that he is old. Cruz didnt care about this.
What I cant get over, is the fact that she was the one to make the roll over one racer, just like Hudson. Like... What? We never sympathized with her yet, and she does a move like Hudson's which McQueen deserved honestly.
I get it that it's part of the message, and the fact that they want to show us how cool Cruz is, and I realise and acknowledge it, but you dont give a character their glory by stealing it and throwing dust over the other character.
Im just talking about the feels here, which didnt get through, but the rest of the film is great.