Richard Petty inspired the voice and character of Strip “The King” Weathers in Pixar’s Cars.
Petty, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, provided The King’s voice in the original film. The character is an established blue race car who competes in the Piston Cup and serves as a respected veteran alongside rookie Lightning McQueen and rival Chick Hicks.
The King’s fictional number is 43, matching the number associated with Petty’s famous race car. His design also draws on the Plymouth Superbird, a model connected with Petty’s racing career. These details make The King an affectionate tribute to one of stock-car racing’s best-known champions.
The character’s final race is central to the film’s message about sportsmanship. After Chick causes a crash, Lightning helps The King reach the finish instead of taking advantage of the accident. Richard Petty returned to the Cars universe in later franchise material, while his wife, Lynda Petty, voiced The King’s wife, Mrs. The King.