In Pixar’s Cars, which character is known as The King?

In Pixar’s Cars, Strip Weathers is known as The King.

The King is a veteran blue race car and a seven-time Piston Cup champion. He is presented as a respected racer whose experience contrasts with Lightning McQueen’s youthful confidence and Chick Hicks’s aggressive ambition.

Richard Petty, a real-life NASCAR champion, provides The King’s voice. The character’s nickname and racing background intentionally echo Petty’s public identity as a legendary stock-car driver. The King wears racing number 43, the same number associated with Petty’s career.

The King is one of the three racers tied for the championship lead at the start of Cars. His crash near the end of the final race helps Lightning understand the consequences of Chick Hicks’s reckless driving. The King is sometimes confused with Doc Hudson, another retired champion, but Doc’s racing number is 51.