The Piston Cup is the racing trophy central to the championship storyline in Pixar’s Cars.
Lightning McQueen begins the film as a rookie competing in the Piston Cup season. He is tied in points with Chick Hicks and veteran racer The King, leading to a final race that determines the champion. The trophy also connects the film’s racing world to the fictional Dinoco sponsor, whose famous blue colors are associated with The King.
The final race becomes more than a contest for a trophy. McQueen’s decision to help The King after Chick Hicks causes a crash changes how the public views him. Although Hicks is officially awarded the Piston Cup, McQueen gains respect by choosing sportsmanship over an easy victory.
The Piston Cup is sometimes confused with the World Grand Prix, which belongs primarily to Cars 2. The first film’s central championship is the Piston Cup, while the sequel introduces a separate international racing competition.