The futuristic vehicles are Brubaker Boxes, built on top of a VW Beetle chassis.
The film was one of a three-picture deal with PM Entertainment originally intended for Loren Avedon, who turned it down looking for something bigger. Don Wilson signed on instead. Loren filmed Grid Runners with Wilson.
Don Wilson began kickboxing in the early 1970s and became one of the most successful kickboxers of all time. He won numerous titles, including eleven world titles.