In Pixar's Cars, which real NASCAR driver voices the race car Strip Weathers?

In Pixar's Cars, real NASCAR driver Richard Petty voices the race car Strip Weathers.

Strip Weathers is better known by his nickname, The King. He is an established Piston Cup champion and one of the most respected racers in the film. His calm authority contrasts with Lightning McQueen's early arrogance, and his racing career helps define the championship tradition Lightning wants to enter.

The casting of Richard Petty is especially appropriate because Petty is one of NASCAR's most celebrated drivers. In the English version, his wife, Lynda Petty, voices The King's wife. The character's blue design and number 43 also connect him to Petty's real racing identity.

Jeff Gordon appears in Cars as another voice performer, but he is not the voice of The King. Gordon voices a different race car, making the two NASCAR connections easy to mix up. Strip Weathers also appears in later Cars-related material.