Car-crazed teenager Claudio presents himself to mechanic Stefano as an apprentice in waiting. Stefano, who moonlights in the world of underground drag racing, takes the young man on in an effort to best his rival, Fischio, with a car Claudio transforms into a powerful racer.

Daniele Vicari sped from socialist-minded documentaries into bold fiction filmmaking with this high-octane flick. Alive to the ambitions of people living in the poor outskirts of Rome, this drama of mechanics and street racers was acclaimed for its adrenalized editing, and an award-winner at Venice.