He may spend his days driving a bus, but Gino Borgesa (Kirk Douglas) is intent on becoming a race-car driver. At the Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, Gino falls for Nicole (Bella Darvi), a beautiful ballerina. Although he lacks the lucrative backing of other drivers, Gino makes a splash on the European racing scene with a series of unprecedented, death-defying wins. But his winner-take-all spirit risks breaking up his relationship with Nicole -- not to mention ending his life on the track.