In Pixar's Cars, what is the name of the blue veteran racer known as The King?

In Pixar's Cars, the blue veteran racer known as The King is Strip Weathers.

Strip is the reigning Piston Cup champion at the beginning of the film and serves as Lightning McQueen's respected older rival. His nickname, The King, reflects both his long career and his status within the racing community. He drives a blue stock car decorated with the number 43.

The character is voiced by Richard Petty, a real NASCAR legend whose own racing number is 43. That casting and number make Strip an affectionate tribute to Petty. The film contrasts Strip's humility and experience with Lightning's youthful confidence and Chick Hicks's aggressive ambition.

Doc Hudson is another former champion, but he is a Hudson Hornet from an earlier racing era and is not The King. Cal Weathers appears in Cars 3 as a later-generation racer and is also connected to Strip's family, which can create confusion between the two names.