In Pixar's Cars, what trophy does Lightning McQueen compete to win?

Lightning McQueen competes to win the Piston Cup in Pixar's Cars.

The Piston Cup is the film's fictional top stock-car racing championship. Lightning is a rookie who ties with veteran racer The King and rival Chick Hicks after the season's final race, leading to a three-car tiebreaker in California.

The competition drives the opening and closing portions of the story. Lightning's obsession with winning causes him to lose his transport truck, become separated from his team, and end up in Radiator Springs. By the finale, his relationships with the town's residents have changed how he views victory and sportsmanship.

The Piston Cup is different from the World Grand Prix in Cars 2 and the Florida 500 in Cars 3. Dinoco is a fictional fuel company and sponsor associated with the championship, while the trophy itself is the Piston Cup. Chick Hicks ultimately wins the tiebreaker, but Lightning chooses to help The King finish the race.