The theme while Bart is first driving is Jessica by the Allman Brothers. Later, the song Lowrider by WAR plays as he "gets out of this town."
The town of North Haverbrook is first mentioned in the episode Marge v The Monorail, and has been mentioned sporadically in future episodes since, although this is the first time we see the town in any great detail
After Smithers says "I'm flaming!" Mr. Burns puts a hand on his cheek and does a take to the camera, in the style of Jack Benny. Flaming is also a slang term for male homosexuals who are especially effeminate.