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

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Strip Weathers is the Piston Cup racer known as The King in Pixar's Cars.

The King is a veteran blue race car who competes for the Dinoco team. He is presented as an admired champion and a model of sportsmanship, contrasting with the aggressive Chick Hicks and the inexperienced but fast Lightning McQueen. Richard Petty, a legendary NASCAR driver, provides The King's voice.

The character is closely associated with the number 43, a reference to Petty's famous racing number. His design also resembles a Plymouth Superbird, an aerodynamic muscle car used in American stock-car racing during the early 1970s.

The King has an important role in the film's final race. Chick Hicks causes a crash that sends The King into the air, and Lightning abandons a likely victory to help him reach the finish. The moment demonstrates Lightning's moral growth.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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