In Pixar's Cars, which Piston Cup racer uses the number 43?

In Pixar's Cars, The King is the Piston Cup racer who uses the number 43.

The King is a veteran competitor and the reigning champion at the start of the film's climactic race. His blue Dinoco-sponsored car is modeled after the Plymouth Superbird, a famous American stock car associated with high-speed oval racing. The character's racing number is a direct visual identifier throughout the movie.

The number 43 is also strongly associated with real NASCAR driver Richard Petty, whose famous car carried that number. The King is voiced by Petty, creating a clear connection between the fictional champion and a real racing legend.

The King is one of three cars tied for the Piston Cup before the final race, alongside Lightning McQueen and Chick Hicks. Chick uses number 86, while McQueen uses 95. Those three numbers are often mixed up when viewers recall the film's final standings.