The World's Fastest Indian

In the small town of Invercargill, 1967, Burt Munro (Burt Munro) has earned a reputation as a gentle giant with a passion for motorcycles. His legendary bike, touted as the fastest in New Zealand and Australia, has even caught the attention of Popular Mechanics magazine. However, this fame is tempered by the disgruntled neighbors who tolerate his rowdy habits, such as revving engines at dawn, pruning his lemon tree with an unconventional method, and neglecting to maintain a tidy lawn. Burt's ultimate aspiration, though, is to defy gravity and take his beloved motorcycle to the hallowed grounds of the Bonneville Speedway in Utah.

But fate has other plans. As Burt tinkers with his prized possession, he suffers a heart attack that sends him scrambling for medical attention. After a hospital visit and diagnosis with angina, doctors advise him to scale back his adrenaline-fueled lifestyle. Undeterred, Burt ignores the warnings and continues to medicate, his determination to fulfill his dream burning brighter than ever.

Burt's next move is to secure passage on a cargo ship bound for Los Angeles, where he plans to test his motorcycle's mettle against the world's best riders. As the cook on board, he earns his keep by whipping up hearty meals for his fellow passengers. Upon arrival in LA, however, Burt finds himself lost in a sea of bureaucracy, skepticism, and indifference from city dwellers. It is only through his unapologetic charm and affable nature that he begins to clear the hurdles, winning over motel clerk Tina, a transvestite with a heart of gold who helps him navigate customs and acquires a used car.

Tina's assistance allows Burt to gain access to a workshop and junkyard, where he fine-tunes a few vehicles and catches the eye of the car salesman. Impressed by his mechanical prowess, the salesman offers Burt a job on the lot, but our hero declines, opting instead to embark on an epic journey to Utah.

Along the way, Burt meets a cast of characters who aid him in his quest: a highway patrolman who lends a helping hand, Native American Jake, who springs into action when Burt's trailer breaks down, and Ada, a kind-hearted woman whose garage becomes an impromptu repair shop for Burt's trusty vehicle. He also crosses paths with a Vietnam-bound Air Force pilot on leave, who offers words of wisdom and camaraderie. Despite the odds stacked against him, Burt Munro remains undaunted in his pursuit of speed and adventure.

As the rugged terrain of the Bonneville Salt Flats finally comes into view, "The Kid" (name not provided) finds his moment of truth foiled by bureaucratic red tape. With neither his motorcycle nor rider suit meeting the stringent requirements for competition, he's met with a stern rebuff from the officials. Yet, in a testament to the camaraderie and fair play that defines this unique community, fellow competitors and enthusiasts rally behind him, ultimately convincing the authorities to grant him a chance to make a timed run. Despite the myriad technical issues and setbacks that beset his attempt, "The Kid" perseveres, driven by an insatiable desire for speed and the thrill of pushing the boundaries of what's thought possible. In the end, he achieves his goal, shattering the land speed record with a blistering pace of 201.851 miles per hour (324.847 kilometers per hour), as he crosses the eighth mile mark. Though his triumphant run is tempered by the knowledge that his leg has suffered a nasty burn from the exhaust and he's forced to take a hard tumble, ending in a screeching halt, "The Kid" emerges victorious, his bravery and determination earning him hero status back home in New Zealand. In the years that follow, he returns to Bonneville nine more times, each visit yielding new records and further solidifying his reputation as a true pioneer of speed.