In Pixar's Cars, who is the reigning Piston Cup champion at the start of the film?
Answer
Strip Weathers
Strip Weathers is the reigning Piston Cup champion at the start of Pixar's Cars.
Known by his nickname, The King, Strip Weathers is the veteran racer driving the iconic blue No. 43 car. He begins the film as the defending champion and competes against rookie Lightning McQueen and longtime rival Chick Hicks in the season finale.
The King is voiced by Richard Petty, a real NASCAR legend associated with the No. 43 car. Pixar used racing references, vehicle design, and broadcast-style commentary to give the fictional Piston Cup competition a recognizable stock-car atmosphere.
The film's ending does not simply crown Lightning. A three-way tie forces a final race, and Lightning chooses to help The King after Chick Hicks causes a crash. The decision changes how Lightning is viewed, even though he does not win the championship.