In Pixar's Cars 3, which racer is known as the champion called The King?

Strip Weathers is the champion known as The King in Pixar's Cars 3.

The King is a veteran Piston Cup racer whose formal name is Strip Weathers. He is a blue 1970 Plymouth Superbird and wears racing number 43. In the Cars story, he represents an older generation of successful racers and is respected for his long career and sportsmanship.

The character first appears in Cars, where he competes against Lightning McQueen and Chick Hicks in the championship race. His legacy remains relevant in Cars 3, which examines how established racers respond when advanced newcomers challenge them.

Richard Petty voices The King in the Cars films. Petty was a real NASCAR champion associated with car number 43, so the character deliberately mirrors both his nickname and racing identity. Cal Weathers is a separate racer and the nephew of Strip Weathers.