In Pixar's Cars, which race decides the 2006 Piston Cup champion after a three-way tie?

In Pixar's Cars, the tiebreaker race decides the 2006 Piston Cup champion after a three-way tie. Lightning McQueen, Chick Hicks, and Strip Weathers, better known as The King, finish the season level on points.

The unusual tie leads organizers to schedule a final race at the Los Angeles International Speedway. McQueen begins the event focused on winning the championship and earning the prestigious Dinoco sponsorship.

During the race, Chick Hicks deliberately wrecks The King while battling for position. McQueen stops before crossing the finish line and pushes The King to safety, sacrificing his chance to win. Chick then takes the race, but McQueen refuses the Dinoco deal because he believes The King deserves the farewell he was promised.

The sequence shows that the film's central conflict is not simply about speed. McQueen learns that sportsmanship and loyalty matter more than a trophy or sponsor. The race is commonly called the final Piston Cup race, but its role is specifically to break the championship tie.