In Pixar’s Cars, Chick Hicks defeats The King after Lightning McQueen stops to help him.
The King, whose real name is Strip Weathers, is a respected veteran racer and the reigning Piston Cup champion at the film’s final race. When Lightning sees Chick force The King into a crash, he gives up his chance to win and pushes The King across the finish line. Chick then receives the race victory, but Lightning earns the crowd’s respect.
The ending creates a deliberate contrast between the official result and the moral result. Chick gets the trophy, while Lightning demonstrates sportsmanship and becomes the racer many spectators actually admire. The King tells Lightning that he has earned Dinoco’s support, although Lightning chooses to remain with Rust-eze.
The King is voiced by Richard Petty, a real NASCAR legend. “Strip Weathers” is the character’s formal name, while “The King” is his racing nickname. Doc Hudson is also a former champion, but he is not the racer Chick defeats in this finale.