In North Carolina, Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) is a man who grew up dreaming of going fast. Born in the backseat of a racing car on country roads while his father, Reese (Gary Cole), accidentally missed the turnoff for the hospital due to driving too fast, Ricky grew up not knowing his father, only seeing him once in 10 years where he was kicked out of Ricky's school for inappropriate behavior. As an adult, while working on the pit crew of Dennit Racing driver Terry Cheveaux (Adam McKay), Ricky acts as a replacement driver after Terry decides to take a bathroom break while in last place. After finishing third in the race, Ricky gains fame and fortune at Dennit Racing. While racing, he meets his future wife Carley (Leslie Bibb), after she flashes her breasts.