In Pixar's Cars, which award is Lightning McQueen trying to win?

In Pixar's Cars, Lightning McQueen is trying to win the Piston Cup.

The Piston Cup is the championship trophy at the center of the film's opening and ending. McQueen is a rookie contender tied with veteran champion Strip “The King” Weathers and rival Chick Hicks before the final race in California. His ambition is initially focused on winning alone and securing a major sponsorship.

After McQueen is stranded in Radiator Springs, his priorities change. The town's residents teach him about friendship, patience, and the cost of treating people as obstacles. During the final race, McQueen gives up an easy victory to help The King after Chick's aggressive move causes a crash.

The film's Piston Cup resembles a stock-car racing championship, but it is fictional. It should not be confused with the Dinoco sponsorship or the World Grand Prix from Cars 2. Dinoco is a team and brand within the Cars world, while the Piston Cup is the championship prize McQueen seeks.