In a vibrant world filled with anthropomorphic animals, we find ourselves in a quaint rural village in China, where Zhi, portrayed by Jimmy O. Yang, lives a simple life with his beloved grandmother, Granny Bai, played by Lisa Lu. From his childhood, Zhi has harbored dreams of becoming a cane toad racer, idolizing the famous racer Archie Vainglorious, brought to life by the legendary John Cleese. However, Zhi's idyllic life takes a troubling turn when he learns of Vainglorious Industries' ominous plans to demolish his village to make way for cane toad housing. Fueled by hope at first, Zhi seeks to engage in a civil discussion with Vainglorious, only to find the smug racer to be insufferably boastful and dismissive.
Despite their rocky start, Vainglorious eventually agrees to a high-stakes rally race that will determine the fate of Zhi's village, prompting Zhi to rally his courage. Gnash, a retired goat racer and mechanic, voiced by J.K. Simmons, reluctantly steps in to assist Zhi in his training, feeling an unshakeable sense of obligation to honor Zhi's late mother. Guided by Gnash's expertise, Zhi receives not only invaluable training but also a car that becomes central to their racing endeavors. However, the race is anything but straightforward. With no rules enforced, Zhi soon discovers that the wealthy Vainglorious exploits every opportunity to cheat, playing dirty at each turn. This leaves Zhi grappling with the nagging anxiety that even threatens his focus when he finds himself in the lead—an emotional struggle that Gnash endeavors to help him overcome.
Amid the intense race preparations, a tender romance begins to blossom as Zhi encounters Shelby, played by Chloe Bennet, another slow loris. Initially unaware of her secret allegiance to Vainglorious, Zhi unwittingly confides in Shelby, sharing details about his hopes and dreams. As their relationship deepens, Shelby finds herself torn between her loyalty to her employer and her genuine affection for Zhi. Ultimately, her feelings lead her to a decisive moment, causing her to sever ties with Vainglorious, showcasing her internal conflict.
With newfound support from his fellow racers, who empathize with his cause, Zhi triumphs against the odds, defeating Vainglorious in an electrifying showdown that will secure his village's future. However, the aftermath of the race leaves Vainglorious in a state of chaos as he is confronted by the wrath of his family, who had a vested interest in his success. This thrilling journey of perseverance, love, and resolve leaves Zhi not only with his village intact but also a heart full of hope and courage to face whatever lies ahead.
