Race car driver Frank Capua (Paul Newman) holds track victories above all else, but as he competes in the string of races that lead to motoring's crown jewel, the Indianapolis 500, he finds it harder to connect with wife Elora (Joanne Woodward) and stepson Charley (Richard Thomas). When he learns that Elora is sleeping with fellow racer Luther "Lou" Erding (Robert Wagner), Frank leaves the family, but plucky Charley decides he won't Stand idly by as his family disintegrates.
