In Pixar’s Cars, the retired racer Strip Weathers uses the number 43.
Strip Weathers, commonly called The King, is a veteran Piston Cup champion and a respected figure in the racing world. His number 43 references the real NASCAR career of Richard Petty, whose famous racing number was also 43. The character’s design, career status, and voice performance all evoke the traditions of American stock-car racing.
The King serves as a contrast to Lightning McQueen. McQueen is talented but inexperienced and initially treats racing as an individual path to fame. The King represents longevity, discipline, and the value of sportsmanship.
Richard Petty voiced Strip Weathers in the English-language version. This makes the number especially meaningful: it connects a fictional champion to one of NASCAR’s most recognizable real-world drivers.