In spite of a series of tough setbacks, including the loss of his girlfriend, Nick goes into the big race at the British Grand Prix with all his energy and concentration bent on winning.

However, an underhanded American racer (Beau Bridges) is also among the competitors, and is determined to ruin Nick's chances.

Two completely different endings were filmed depicting Nick after he has won the race in the UK and US, and both versions were released.

Essex had recently turned down the title role in The Stud but he not only agreed to appear in Silver Dream Racer, he signed on to write the film's score.

It was to represent quite a commitment, as I had signed up to write the film score as well as play the lead role, but if I am honest, the appeal to me was all about the motorbikes.

"[6] Wickes, who rewrote the script, said the film nearly was not made because of difficulties sourcing a 500cc racing bike ("all the big manufacturers have their own racing teams and they won't give you the time of day") but they were rescued by "a brilliant Welsh engineering company called Barton Motors" who produced "a great-looking bike that could go respectably fast around a track.

[5] The Silver Dream Racer was a real motorcycle, designed by Barry Hart of the Barton company.

[2] English motorcycle racer Roger Marshall did most of David Essex's riding for the film.