The King is the seven-time Piston Cup champion in Pixar’s Cars.
Also known as Strip Weathers, The King is a veteran race car sponsored by Dinoco. He represents the established ideal of racing success and serves as a mentor figure to Lightning McQueen, even though Lightning initially treats him as a rival. The King’s racing number is 43.
The character’s name and design are strongly associated with Richard Petty, the real NASCAR champion who provides The King’s voice. Petty won seven NASCAR Cup Series championships, and the fictional racer’s seven Piston Cup titles echo that achievement. The King’s blue-and-white appearance also recalls Petty’s racing identity.
The King does not win the first film’s final race. Chick Hicks causes a crash, and Lightning stops to help The King reach the finish. Lightning then refuses the Dinoco sponsorship, allowing The King to remain with the team. The character later appears in Cars 3 and related Cars stories.