Which racer is number 43 in Pixar's Cars?

The King is the number 43 racer in Pixar's Cars.

The King, whose real name is Strip Weathers, is an established Piston Cup champion and a respected veteran when Lightning McQueen enters the season. He drives a blue Dinoco-sponsored race car and is modeled after the visual tradition of a Plymouth Superbird.

His number 43 is a tribute to Richard Petty, the NASCAR driver famous for using number 43. Richard Petty also provides The King's voice in the original Cars, while his wife Lynda Petty voices The King's wife, Mrs. The King.

The King is not the film's main antagonist. Chick Hicks, number 86, is the aggressive rival who causes the dangerous crash at the final race. The King later retires after the events of the first film.