12岁孤儿鲍比·格雷厄姆 newly settled in Hawk's Hill with his uncle and aunt, embarks on a journey to honor his late father's creative legacy. Undeterred by his uncle's disapproval, he teams up with the town's recluse, Vietnam War veteran Gump·Cleary Kenedy, crafting an unconventional soapbox car for the upcoming Derby race. Together, they navigate through challenges, fostering a profound friendship that transcends their differences, ultimately demonstrating the transformative power of dreams and camaraderie in a small-town setting.
