In a grim future set in 2000, the United States has crumbled under the weight of a dire financial crisis and a military coup. This new regime, known as the United Provinces of America, is ruled by a cult figure called Mr. President. To keep the masses entertained and docile, they are fed a constant stream of bloody, gladiatorial events, with the Annual Transcontinental Road Race serving as the ultimate spectacle, symbolizing twisted ideals of American values.
This chaotic coast-to-coast race spans three days on open roads, where participants earn points not merely for speed but for the gruesome act of hitting and killing innocent pedestrians. The most renowned racer is the enigmatic Frankenstein, portrayed as the government's champion, and rumored to be part machine due to extensive rebuilds after numerous accidents. He is often challenged by his fierce rival, Machine Gun Joe Viterbo, who despises being anything less than victorious.
Amidst this blood-soaked contest, a resistance group spearheaded by Thomasina Paine, a direct descendant of the revolutionary figure Thomas Paine, plots to end Frankenstein’s reign of terror. They aim to assassinate him and replace him with one of their own operatives. Among them is Annie, Thomasina's great-granddaughter and Frankenstein’s navigator, who seeks to pull off a trap to switch him out during the race. As the race unfolds, the regime shifts the blame for any disruptive incidents onto the French, scapegoating them for the nation’s economic downfall and other societal ills.
As the narrative deepens, it becomes apparent that Frankenstein is not merely a puppet of the regime; he is part of a line of racers conditioned to take on his identity. "When one is used up, they bring in another," he confides to Annie. Yet, he harbors his own plan to topple the oppressive administration by winning the race, with an explosive surprise ready to be unleashed during his handshake with Mr. President. This "hand grenade," cleverly concealed in his prosthetic right hand, is part of his master scheme.
As the race intensifies, Frankenstein skillfully navigates through both rival competitors and resistance efforts, ultimately emerging as the victor despite sustaining injuries. However, his plans to ignite the explosive device are thwarted when Annie, in a desperate act of defense against an assault from Machine Gun Joe near the end of the race, utilizes the grenade to eliminate him.
In a daring twist, Annie takes on Frankenstein's guise, intending to plunge a knife into Mr. President during the celebrations. However, in a tragic misunderstanding, she is shot and wounded by her own grandmother. In the end, Frankenstein achieves his goal of eliminating Mr. President by crashing his car into the podium.
The story concludes with a whirlwind of changes; Annie and Frankenstein tie the knot, and he ascends to the presidency. With a newfound authority, he promptly ends the race and dismantles the ruthless laws governing the Provinces, though not before making a controversial statement by running over a dissenting reporter named Junior Bruce.
