Trivia

This was originally slated to be Steven Spielberg's first theatrical feature and he spent over two months on pre-production. He then decided he did not want to do this film and quit to go do The Sugarland Express (1974).

Reunites actors Burt Reynolds and Ned Beatty, who previously starred in Deliverance (1972).

Uncredited film debut of Laura Dern. She can be seen in a few scenes as Maggie's blond-haired daughter. Maggie is played by her real-life mother, Diane Ladd.

The I-30 Speedway was used as the Benton Speedway. This speedway is actually in Pulaski County in Little Rock, Arkansas, near Saline County, where Benton is actually located.

Selected by Quentin Tarantino for the first Quentin Tarantino Film Fest in Austin, Texas, 1996.