As "Speed Racer" toggles to the present day-or its futuristic version-it becomes clear that Speed (Emile Hirsch) has grown into a young adult and is in the process of winning a big race in front of his adoring family: Mom and Pops Racer (Susan Sarandon and John Goodman), little brother Spritle (Paulie Litt) and the family's pet chimpanzee.
The next day, Speed and his family answer the door to a wealthy sponsor named Royalton (Roger Allam), who proceeds to take the Racers on a Willy Wonka-like tour of his fabulous facilities. For the rest of the movie, "Speed Racer" centers on whether the wholesome, down-to-earth Speed will resist Royalton's blandishments and, if he does, whether he can win the sport of car racing back from the crooks and corporate types who have taken it over.