Joe is the three-time Indy champion who still races to put young Eddie through college. Joe wants a better life for Eddie, and he explodes when he finds out that Eddie quit school for a racing career. Joe tries to teach Eddie the trade, but they separate when Eddie will not drop "bad girl" Frankie. When Joe causes the death of a driver at the next race, he quits racing and wanders around. Joe winds up at Indianapolis where Eddie is driving the Martin Special.