In Pixar’s Cars, which famous racing driver voices The King, Strip Weathers?

In Pixar’s Cars, Richard Petty voices The King, Strip Weathers.

The King is a veteran Piston Cup racer and the reigning champion at the beginning of the film. His name, appearance, and career role are designed as an affectionate reference to stock-car racing history. Richard Petty, one of NASCAR’s most celebrated drivers, provides the character’s voice.

Petty won the NASCAR Cup Series championship seven times and recorded 200 premier-series race victories. His recognizable racing identity helped make The King feel like more than a generic veteran competitor.

The King’s blue-and-white design is associated with the fictional Dinoco team. In the final race, Chick Hicks causes The King to crash, but Lightning McQueen gives up the win to help him cross the finish line. The King then retires from racing and becomes a Dinoco representative.