What is the name of the fictional race in Pixar’s first Cars film?

The fictional race series in Pixar’s first Cars film is the Piston Cup.

Lightning McQueen competes in the Piston Cup season as a rookie racer. The film’s opening race ends in a three-way tie involving McQueen, Chick Hicks and The King, leading to a final race at the Los Angeles International Speedway.

The Piston Cup is a fictional competition created for the Cars universe, but its presentation draws on American stock-car racing. The King’s design and racing career are especially associated with the visual language of NASCAR.

The Piston Cup should not be confused with the World Grand Prix, the international competition at the center of Cars 2. Dinoco is a sponsor and brand within the story, not the name of the overall race series.