"The King" Strip Weathers: The Legend of Cars

CharacterPiston CupDinoco

Seven Piston Cup titles, and one last race that turns to disaster. Strip "The King" Weathers is a 1970 Plymouth Superbird painted in Dinoco blue, number 43, the emblem of the Dinoco team for decades. The character is a direct tribute to Richard Petty, the NASCAR legend, who lends him his voice in the original version, while his wife Lynda is voiced by Lynda Petty. Victim of a serious crash in the final orchestrated by Chick Hicks, he remains Lightning McQueen's mentor. This profile retraces his record, his model and his appearances in Cars 1 and 3.

Summary

• Introduction: Strip "The King" Weathers, the track legend
• Who is The King?
• Seven-time Piston Cup champion
• A tribute to Richard Petty
• The King's personality
• Anecdotes
• Summary table
• FAQ

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Introduction: Strip "The King" Weathers, the track legend

In the world of Cars, Strip "The King" Weathers is the veteran Piston Cup champion. A seven-time winner, he is the wise figure of the tracks who inspires and advises Lightning McQueen.

📘 To relive the grand finale, also read Cars 1.

🧩 You can spot The King at a glance thanks to his 1970 Plymouth Superbird; on your table, our Cars puzzles have you rebuild those bodyworks piece by piece instead.

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Who is The King?

Strip Weathers, nicknamed "The King", is a 1970 Plymouth Superbird painted in Dinoco blue. He wears number 43 and races for the Dinoco team, for which he has been an emblem for decades.

🧢 Dinoco blue and number 43: The King wears his team colours right on his bodywork; you get to wear them on your head instead, with our Cars caps.

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Seven-time Piston Cup champion

The King is a seven-time Piston Cup champion. The film's season is set to be his last race: he aspires to retire with a victory. His experience and wisdom make him a natural mentor for Lightning McQueen.

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A tribute to Richard Petty

The King is a direct tribute to Richard Petty, NASCAR legend nicknamed "The King" in real life. The number 43 and the Plymouth Superbird replicate those of the driver — who also voices the character in the original version.

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The King's personality

• wise, calm, and respected by all
• fair play and committed to the values of sport
• benevolent mentor to the younger generation
• loyal to his Dinoco team and his wife Lynda

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Anecdotes

• The King is voiced in the original version by Richard Petty himself, 7-time NASCAR champion
• his wife, Mrs. The King (Lynda), is voiced by Lynda Petty, the driver's real wife
• his 1970 Plymouth Superbird and his number 43 are those of Richard Petty
• he is involved in a serious accident in the final, orchestrated by Chick Hicks

🏁 In the final metres of the last race, Chick Hicks goes for The King’s wheel; at home, our Cars toys let you replay the scene and stop just before the crash.

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Summary table

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Also read

Also read: all Piston Cup drivers (Cars 1), the field that The King dominated for years.

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Also read: the real car that inspired The King — and all other Cars characters.

Also read: Fred, Lightning McQueen's #1 rusty fan, all Piston Cup champions.

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FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is The King in Cars?
  Strip "The King" Weathers is a 1970 Plymouth Superbird, a seven-time Piston Cup champion and a figure of the Dinoco team.
• Why does The King wear number 43?
  In homage to Richard Petty, a NASCAR legend nicknamed "The King," whose favorite number it was.
• Who voices The King in the original version?
  The character is voiced by Richard Petty himself, and his wife by Lynda Petty.
• What car is The King?
  It's a 1970 Plymouth Superbird in Dinoco blue colors.

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