Racers compete for the Piston Cup in Pixar's Cars.
The Piston Cup is the premier stock-car championship in the first Cars film. Lightning McQueen is a rookie contender who reaches the season finale tied with veteran racer Strip Weathers, known as The King, and rival Chick Hicks. Because the three drivers finish with the same points, a tiebreaking race is arranged in California.
The fictional competition draws heavily on NASCAR, including oval-track racing, sponsorships, pit crews, and championship points. Dinoco is the prestige sponsor associated with The King, while Rust-eze sponsors Lightning. The trophy's name is a playful reference to automotive engine parts.
The Piston Cup should not be confused with the World Grand Prix, which is the international event introduced in Cars 2. In Cars 3, the Piston Cup remains important as Lightning faces the rise of high-tech racers and considers what comes after his own championship career.