Dirt Bike Kid

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.

Dirt Bike Kid
Mike’s Doghouse, located at Hampton and Burlington in Oak Cliff.

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.

A scene from “The Dirt Bike Kid” filmed at Kidd Springs Park.
A scene from “The Dirt Bike Kid” filmed at Kidd Springs Park.

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.

Dirt Bike Kid
Mike’s Doghouse in “The Dirt Bike Kid,” located at Hampton and Burlington in Oak Cliff.
A scene from “The Dirt Bike Kid” filmed at Kidd Springs Park.

The film is currently available to watch on Amazon Prime Video by clicking here.