Which racer wins the first Piston Cup shown in Pixar’s Cars?

Chick Hicks wins the first Piston Cup shown in Pixar’s Cars.

The championship ends in a three-car tie-breaker involving Lightning McQueen, Chick Hicks, and The King. During the race, Hicks uses aggressive tactics that cause The King to crash. Lightning reaches the finish line first but stops just before the end to help the injured veteran.

Because Lightning assists The King, Hicks crosses the finish line first and is declared the race winner. Lightning is praised for his sportsmanship, while Hicks receives the trophy but is widely disliked for the way he raced.

The King, whose real name is Strip Weathers, is voiced by Richard Petty, a real NASCAR champion. The Piston Cup is fictional, although the film borrows recognizable elements from stock-car racing, including oval tracks, pit crews, sponsors, and championship points.