In Pixar's Cars, which racing event decides the Piston Cup champion?

In Pixar's Cars, the Dinoco 400 decides the Piston Cup champion. The race is held at the Los Angeles International Speedway and ends in a three-way tie between Lightning McQueen, Chick Hicks, and The King.

Because the rules require a tiebreaker, the three drivers are sent to the Motor Speedway of the South. McQueen is desperate to win the championship and secure the prestigious Dinoco sponsorship, while Hicks is focused on defeating The King, the reigning champion.

The Dinoco 400 establishes the film's central conflict. McQueen begins as a talented but selfish rookie who treats his team as replaceable. His unexpected stay in Radiator Springs changes his priorities before the tiebreaker race.

The race should not be confused with the later World Grand Prix in Cars 2 or the Piston Cup races shown in Cars 3. Dinoco is a fictional sponsor in the films, and its blue branding is closely associated with The King.