In Pixar’s Cars, the race car voiced by Richard Petty is The King.
The King is the racing nickname of Strip Weathers, a veteran Piston Cup champion. Richard Petty, a real NASCAR legend, provides the character’s voice. The casting links the animated racer to Petty’s real motorsport career and gives the character added authenticity within the film’s racing world.
The King is portrayed as experienced, respected, and generous toward Lightning McQueen. During the final race, he is involved in the crash that lets Chick Hicks take the lead. The King’s treatment by the winner helps reveal the difference between sporting success and sportsmanship.
Strip Weathers is the character’s formal name, while The King is his racing title. Chick Hicks is voiced by Michael Keaton, and Cal Weathers appears in Cars 3. Those names are related to the racing cast but do not answer the question about Richard Petty’s character.