Slot cars are miniature race cars which is guided by a groove in the track. The first commercial slot cars were sold in 1912 by Lionel, but the product was discontinued in 1915. Many other models were introduced over the following years, but did not gain much popularity until the 1960s. By 1963 a million and a half models had been produced by Aurora Plastics Corp who then changed the design of the motor. It was so popular that slot car races were nationally televised with hosts like Mike Douglas, Steve Allen and Johnny Carson. Even Elvis had a room at Graceland devoted to slot car racing. The track was 155ft long.

In 1968 there were actually more slot car racing facilities then there were bowling alleys. By the late 1970s, the slot car boom was over only to return again in the 1990s.

Here is a short video of a slot car on a fancy track: