Cannonball!

Coy 'Cannonball' Buckman, a former race driver recently released from parole, is drawn into the infamous Trans-Continental Road Race. Starting in Santa Monica Pier, this race ignites his yearning for speed but also raises concerns for his parole officer girlfriend, Linda, who worries about the consequences of his participation.

Coy’s loyal friend, Zippo Friedman, decides to support him by tuning up his brilliant red Pontiac Trans Am for the race. In a clever move, Zippo disguises himself as Coy and enters the race to avoid attention from law enforcement, making their friendship even more pivotal.

The competition heats up as Coy faces off against Cade Redman, a bitter rival who is also tasked with escorting a country singer named Perman Waters to New York. This rivalry escalates tensions, threatening Coy's focus as the race progresses.

Coy encounters several eclectic racers, including the European champion Wolfe Messer and the adventurous surfer couple, Jim and Maryann Crandell. Each competitor brings their own unique style and tactics to the race, heightening the overall intensity.

Unknown to Coy, his brother Bennie has placed a precarious bet with mob boss Lester Marks on Coy's success in the race. Bennie's dire financial situation adds another layer of tension, pushing him to take drastic measures to ensure his brother wins.

Initially reluctant, Linda decides to join Coy in the race but becomes concerned about the reckless behavior of Redman. Their relationship faces new challenges as the dangers of the competition become more evident.

In a bid to gain an advantage, Bennie conspires with an ex-con named Sharpe to sabotage Wolfe Messer's car with a bomb. The bomb detonates during a police chase, escalating the already chaotic nature of the race.

Tensions boil over when Redman confronts Coy in a supermarket, leading to a fierce brawl. The chaos spills throughout the store, showcasing the lengths competitors will go to in order to take down their rival.

Coy faces a major setback when he totals his car on a treacherous mountain road. Thankfully, two supportive mechanics come to his aid, lending him a green Ford Mustang to continue his journey amidst the chaos of the race.

In a desperate attempt to take out Coy, Redman mistakenly attacks Zippo, believing him to be Coy. Meanwhile, Linda channels her martial arts skills to protect her friends, demonstrating her strength amidst the turmoil.

Coy learns a heart-wrenching truth from Linda about Zippo's past, detailing how Zippo took the blame for an incident that led to Coy's imprisonment. This revelation adds complexity to Coy's feelings of guilt and gratitude towards his friend.

The race reaches a fever pitch as Redman pursues Coy into an unfinished bridge construction site. The ensuing chaos leads to a nail-biting crash that ends Redman's reckless chase, demonstrating the race's perilous nature.

As Coy nears victory, Sharpe's attempt to assassinate him ends in a tragic explosion that claims Zippo's life. This shocking event adds a layer of tragedy, dramatically impacting Coy’s emotional state as he continues the race.

In the final moments of the race, Jim and Maryann discover Linda injured but safe. Together, they overcome the odds to claim victory, but for Coy, the win is overshadowed by his emotional turmoil regarding Zippo and the betrayal by his brother.

As the dust settles from the chaotic race, Coy rushes to the hospital where Linda is recovering. Their reunion is bittersweet, intertwining love, loss, and the devastating impact of the race on their lives.