Which real racer inspired The King's number 43 in Pixar's Cars?

Richard Petty inspired The King's number 43 in Pixar's Cars.

The King is a veteran stock car and one of the film's most respected racers. His blue Plymouth Superbird design, racing number 43, and voice performance all connect the character with Richard Petty, the NASCAR champion widely known by the nickname “The King.”

Petty voiced The King himself in the film, making the connection more direct than a simple visual reference. The character serves as a model for Lightning McQueen: he is highly successful but also values sportsmanship, teamwork, and the people around him.

Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon are also famous American stock-car drivers, but neither is the specific real-world basis for The King's number. The number 43 was strongly associated with Petty during his NASCAR career and remains associated with the Petty racing family.