In the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, Japan, Takumi Fujiwara, a seemingly ordinary high school student, inadvertently embarks on a journey into the world of underground street racing. By day, Takumi delivers tofu for his father's business, driving along the mountain passes of Mt. Akina. Unbeknownst to him, these early morning delivery runs have honed his driving skills, making him exceptionally adept at navigating the treacherous roads. Takumi's life takes a turn when he is unknowingly roped into a race against Keisuke Takahashi, a prominent street racer in the local racing team, the Red Suns. Despite his lack of interest in racing and driving an outdated Toyota AE86, Takumi's exceptional skills lead him to victory, setting the stage for his unexpected entry into the racing world.

As Takumi's reputation grows, he faces challenges and rivalries that push him to the limits of his abilities. Alongside his best friend Itsuki, who dreams of being a racer, and the guidance of his father, Bunta, a retired street racer with a mysterious past, Takumi learns the true essence of street racing. The burgeoning racer must navigate the complications of his newfound fame, his personal relationships, and his conflict about joining an official racing team. Through a series of races against tougher and more experienced opponents, Takumi's journey tests his skill, passion, and understanding of what it truly means to be a racer at heart.