Speed is a drug. Like many other passions and desires, it can ruin lives.

A Fatal Addiction tells the story of two families' with widely different backgrounds.

Frank Cartland was born as the motoring age began. His family had been village blacksmiths' for many generations. From a humble and often harsh childhood, he manages to retain an optimistic outlook on life.

Privileged George Marshall was born into an old, wealthy family and grew to share Frank's passion for racing machines. The horrors of the first world war have shaped the lives of both young men, it's consequences never leave them. But soon the ambitions of both men are driven by the drug of speed.

Frank began by repairing bicycles but motorcycles and motorcars quickly became his addiction. This addiction comes at a high price - both mentally and physically.

Throughout the 1920's and 30's this joint obsession with fast machines put the two men on the same path despite their contrasting lives. There is constant drama on and off the dangerous racetracks of Brooklands, the Isle of Man and Le Mans as they strive to fulfill their racing dreams.

The influence of the beautiful and powerful women in their lives bring unexpected and eventually tragic results. Stakes are high, success and racing glory are all that matter. Loosing either can only bring misery, pain or even death.

For Frank Cartland and George Marshall passion on and off the racetracks is fueled by their addiction to speed.

Maxwell Mark Power's life began amidst the thunderous roar of racing engines. His family's home, just a mile from the Hanger Straight at Silverstone, was the perfect vantage point for the British Grand Prix. This early exposure to the world of racing would shape his future in ways he couldn't yet fathom.Max grew up in a comfortable home with every spare space containing huge stacks of old Motor Sport, Autosport, Motoring, and Motorcycle magazines. Little wonder that in his early years, he thought motoring was the real world...the rest just seemed strange. His mother said his first word had been Mummy; in fact, it had been money. Even at this young age, Max knew that if he wanted to be a racing driver, he would need lots of money. With unwavering determination, persistence, and a dash of skill, Max carved his path to becoming a successful racing motorist. His journey began with motorbikes, then transitioned to racing cars. He was always on the move, jetting off to the next race meeting, never lingering in one place for long. But when the last racing engine fell silent, he always found his way back home.Max savoured the taste of victory in many races, but his path was not without its hurdles. A perpetual shortage of funds and some colossal crashes prevented him from reaching the pinnacle of his sport. Yet, his resilience and unwavering determination to succeed in the face of adversity is a testament to his character. A few times, he has tried to retire from racing, but his addiction would always drag him back to the sport he loves. Today, Max resides in his spacious workshop in the East of England, surrounded by his trophies from past victories and the remnants of broken racing cars. Despite the challenges he's faced, he remains an unwavering optimist, always looking forward to the next race with the belief that this time, he'll emerge victorious. His motto is " Where's the next race, I'm going to win this time"