What is the name of the racing event at the center of Pixar's Cars?

The Piston Cup is the racing event at the center of Pixar's Cars.

Lightning McQueen is a rookie competitor in the Piston Cup season, and the story begins as he prepares for the championship race in California. He is determined to win the trophy and become the new face of the Dinoco racing team.

The film's opening race ends with Lightning, Chick Hicks, and veteran driver The King finishing in a three-way tie. Because the rules require a decisive winner, the three drivers compete in a final race at the Los Angeles International Speedway. Lightning's choices during that race ultimately matter more to him than simply taking the trophy.

The Piston Cup is a fictional competition, but its presentation resembles American stock-car racing, including oval tracks, sponsor branding, pit crews, and season standings. It is not the same event as the World Grand Prix, which is the international race series featured in Cars 2.