Harry Hamlin replaced Brad Davis in the lead role of Steve. The role was originally intended for the latter but he was allegedly fired due to his alleged drug problems.
Comeback movie of actor Dennis Hopper who had been living as a recluse in seclusion away from Los Angeles and Hollywood and had been making films in Europe.
Director Noel Nosseck admitted in an interview that Dennis Hopper was difficult to work with because he had trouble remembering his lines.
The film is based on an article entitled "Thunder Road" by David Barry and published in 'New West' magazine on 31st July 1978. The piece told of the Mulholland Racing Association organization whose membership were youths who raced cars across the twenty-three mile stretch of Mulholland Drive in the Los Angeles hills. The movie has also been attributed to an article by David Barry that was published in 'The Los Angeles Times'.