In Los Angeles, California, John Dakota sits by the grave of his little brother, Eric, before riding cross-country on his motorcycle. Elsewhere, Charles Dakota, John’s father, tells his wife he never wants to see his son again. During the trip, John stops in the town of Dillon, Texas. He gets in a fistfight with two young locals, Bo Sandoval and Rooster, when they insult him. After getting arrested, Sheriff Johnson tells him to pay the property damages, or remain in jail. Walt Lechner, an employee of Diamond Ranch, arrives and suggests the young man work for him to pay his debt. Sheriff Johnson agrees, but keeps the motorcycle at the station. John introduces himself as “Dakota” to Walt and his son, Casey, who has a prosthetic leg. Early the next morning at Diamond Ranch, Walt shows Dakota the thoroughbred stables. Later, Dakota meets Walt’s daughter, Molly, who shows him how to work with the horses and maintain the stables. That afternoon, Casey tells Dakota that Mr. Diamond, the ranch owner, will be entering a 1911 Oldsmobile speedster in the Great American Race, a cross-country event for antique cars. Casey also mentions that Dillon, Texas, is the halfway point. That evening, Bo Sandoval and Rooster work the night shift at Sandoval Feed and Milling, which is owned by Bo’s father. Bo confesses to Rooster that his debts are becoming a problem. The next morning, Rob Diamond, Mr. Diamond’s son, flirts with Molly as she rides her favorite horse, Maverick. Meanwhile in the stable, Dakota sees Mr. Diamond’s hired mechanic working on the Oldsmobile, and assists in fixing the car. Later, Dakota drives Casey to his physical therapy session. On the way, Casey tells Dakota he lost his leg to bone cancer. During the session, Casey’s teacher, Aunt Zard, tells Dakota that with encouragement Casey can do anything. That evening, Molly informs her father, Walt, that Dakota is not a good role model for Casey. However, Walt disagrees and believes Dakota is starting to open up with the family. A few days later, Walt asks Mr. Diamond if he has located a new mechanic for the Oldsmobile after firing the first one. When Diamond says no, Walt suggests Dakota, and Diamond agrees. As Dakota and Casey work on the car, Rob arrives and asks Molly to have dinner with him and his family. She agrees, and leaves with him. At another physical therapy session on a lake, Aunt Zard tells Dakota about a rite of passage called “The Quest,” in which a young person challenges him or herself. For Casey’s quest, Aunt Zard believes he could rock climb Dillon Pinnacle, a nearby rock formation. Dakota agrees to help Casey train before leaving Dillon for good. Later, Walt tells Dakota his fines from the fight with Bo Sandoval and Rooster have been settled and he is free to leave town. However, Dakota decides to stay. That night at the Sandoval Feed and Milling, Bo receives a visit from the man to whom he owes. The man tells Bo the debt will be cleared if he stores illegal goods at the granary. That evening, Molly graduates from school, and attends a dance with Rob. Dakota attends as well and is challenged by Bo to an arm wrestling competition. Bo cheats and tells Dakota he is not welcomed. After the dance, Rob drives Molly to a spot in the woods. As they kiss, Molly becomes uncomfortable with Rob’s advances and asks him to take her home. Later, she goes to the stable and finds Dakota. He invites her to town for ice cream. As they share a banana split, Rob sees them. The following day, Dakota calls the Great American Race registration committee and learns that his father, Charles Dakota, is participating and will be at the midpoint in Dillon. Dakota continues to train Casey for his Dillon Pinnacle climb. Meanwhile at Sandoval Feed and Milling, Bo’s creditor stores illegal goods in the silo. The next day, Mr. Diamond offers Dakota the mechanic position as Rob drives in the Great American Race. However, Dakota declines. When Molly asks why, Dakota tells her he does not want to see his father. Dakota recalls sneaking home from his private school to spend time with his little brother, Eric. While hanging out near a water tower, Eric climbed to the top. Dakota hurried after him, but Eric fell and was killed. His father blamed him and ordered Dakota to leave. That night on the ranch, Dakota awakens Casey and tells him he needs to complete his Dillon Pinnacle climb on Saturday before he leaves town. The following day, Rob kisses Molly goodbye as he leaves for Los Angeles to start the Great American Race. That night, Molly asks Dakota for help as one of the horses goes into labor. After the foal is born, Molly and Dakota ride horseback to Enchanted Rock, Molly’s favorite place, on Maverick. She tells Dakota he needs to talk to his father. Meanwhile, Bo tells Rooster his creditor was arrested and he does not know what to do with the illegal items. Rooster suggests setting the mill on fire. Later, Walt, Molly, and Dakota drive to Dillon Pinnacle to watch Casey as he climbs to the top. Elsewhere, Bo arrives at Diamond Ranch for a delivery. Sneaking into Dakota’s room, Bo sees a newspaper clipping on Eric’s death. Bo returns to the mill and informs Rooster of his plan to frame Dakota for the silo fire. Later, the Great American Race drivers arrive in town. At a celebratory dance, Casey hands Molly a note from Dakota, telling her about his brother’s death and how he has not forgiven himself. Molly notices Bo acting strangely and asks Casey to keep an eye on him. She locates Dakota at Enchanted Rock, where he tells her he is not running anymore and kisses her. They get on Dakota’s motorcycle and drive to the mill to check on Bo. Rooster and Bo start the fire as Dakota and Molly arrive. While running, Bo knocks himself unconscious inside the silo. As Rooster and Molly escape, Dakota runs back for Bo. They escape as the fire department arrives. Days later, Dakota leaves to catch up with the Great American Race, and to meet up with his father.