Released in 1985, The Dirt Bike Kid is a low-budget kid’s film produced by Julie Corman, wife of B-movie king Roger Corman. It starred Peter Billingsley, fresh off of his hit A Christmas Story (1983).
The film is outlandish and illogical, even by 80s kid’s movie standards, and yet, it became a bit of a cult classic after its release on VHS and subsequent showings on The Disney Channel.
The film tells the story of a magic dirt bike that comes into the possession of Jack (Billingsley). Together, the pair save their local hangout, Mike’s Doghouse, from a greedy banker (Stuart Pankin).
According to The American Film Institute, shooting began in Dallas on April 10, 1985. Although scenes were shot across the Dallas area, a number of Oak Cliff locations were utilized. A former Dairy Queen at Hampton and Burlington was used as Mike’s Doghouse, complete with a large façade featuring a weiner dog.
About the time the movie was made, the building was a video arcade and hamburger stand. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, it was a Video Vacation movie rental store. It is now a Pollo Fiesta Mexican restaurant.
A local baseball game was filmed at Kidd Springs Park, and Jack’s house is reportedly located in Winnetka Heights, although an exact location is not clear.
Mosier Valley Racetrack in North Arlington was used for a number of racing scenes. Scenes involving a chase with police were filmed around Luna Road in Northwest Dallas.
The film is currently available to watch on Amazon Prime Video by clicking here.
