Which real NASCAR driver inspired the design of Pixar’s The King?

Richard Petty inspired the design of The King in Pixar’s Cars.

The King is a veteran Piston Cup racer whose car is modeled on a 1970 Plymouth Superbird. His racing number is 43, the number strongly associated with Richard Petty during his NASCAR career. Petty also provides The King’s voice in the film.

The character reflects Petty’s public image as a highly successful and respected stock-car champion. His role in Cars combines fictional racing drama with recognizable elements of NASCAR history, including the blue-and-white color scheme and the Superbird silhouette.

The King should not be confused with Chick Hicks, who is his aggressive rival, or Lightning McQueen, who competes against both racers. Richard Petty’s voice performance is one reason The King feels like a direct tribute rather than merely a generic veteran-racer character.