Gardner wasn’t the most successful Australian 500cc motorcycle champion ever, but he was the first in 1987 – his life chronicled in Wayne, directed by Jeremy Sims (Last Cab To Darwin).

The film is Sims’ first foray into non-fiction and details the one-time steelworker’s five dollar dirt bike purchase through to the pinnacle of the sport, with girlfriend Donna Forbes never far from his side.

"It's not just the Wayne Gardner story, it's the Wayne and Donna story," Sims told Fairfax Media. "They were absolutely Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. She was the power behind the throne, the one who said, 'Get on your f---ing bike and ride'."

The pair met in their teenage years, dated for 11 before marrying in 1989 – though the marriage only lasted five years. Despite this they’re still “best friends” said the director.

"Their love for one another is so apparent in the doco – and that's the one thing we hadn't expected,” Sims said.

Wayne features interviews with legends from the sport’s “golden age” including Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Mick Doohan and Kevin Schwantz.

Gardner will be taking part in a Q&A at the 6:30pm screening. 

The movie is set for national cinema release on September 6.