Tommy Callahan (Fabian) is a race car driver who suffers from blackouts during which he drives recklessly. When he causes the death of another driver, he is forced to retire. He starts working for Pete Madsen (Jan Murray) as a stunt driver. He meets Pete's daughter Francie (Annette Funicello), another driver, and starts giving her boyfriend Eddie Sands (Warren Berlinger) driving lessons. Meanwhile, Tommy's girlfriend Annie (Diane McBain) becomes jealous of his increasing closeness with Francie.
Thunder Alley contains examples of:
- Binocular Shot: Used when Francie is watching Tommy during a race to see what happens when he blacks out.
- Every Car Is a Pinto: Tommy's car flips over, and a small fire starts under the hood. Tommy scurries free just before the whole car bursts into flame.
- Idiosyncratic Wipe: A ragged star-wipe is used to transition from the scene of the accident, to Tommy driving with Annie to the garage.
- Impairment Shot: The screen ripples during one of Tommy's blackouts.
- Repressed Memories: Tommy's blackouts are caused by his repressed memory of causing his little brother's death in a go kart accident.
- Modesty Bedsheet: Tommy and Annie use a his 'n' hers sheet after they have sex.
