In Pixar's Cars, which car is the seven-time Piston Cup champion known as The King?

In Pixar's Cars, the seven-time Piston Cup champion known as The King is Strip Weathers.

The King is a blue veteran stock car who competes in the film's championship race. He is voiced by Richard Petty, a real-life NASCAR driver whose career included seven NASCAR Cup Series championships. That real-world achievement inspired the character's title and racing authority.

Strip Weathers is portrayed as experienced and respected, contrasting with the ambitious rookie Lightning McQueen and the aggressive Chick Hicks. During the final race, Hicks causes The King to crash while attempting to secure the championship.

The King's racing number is 43, matching Petty's famous number. His character also appears in Cars 3, where his experience helps frame the story's themes about mentorship, legacy, and the transition between generations of racers. The title “The King” is therefore both a fictional nickname and a direct tribute to Petty.