Slot cars have made their way into the homes of thousands of hobbyists over the years, but they have also crept in secretly – via the television screen.

That’s right, some of the most iconic TV shows of all time have featured slot car racing and cast it in a positive light to millions.

Grab the popcorn, it’s flashback time.

1. Danger Man, The Hunting Party, 1966

Danger Man was a 1960s British television series about secret agent, John Drake, who travels the world on missions involving national and global security. Patrick McGoohan shot to fame as the main character of the series.

In this episode, secret information has been leaked and Drake poses as a butler to a wealthy couple to find out whether they are involved. The husband challenges Drake to a session of slot car racing and soon the action heats up on the track. Drake wins the race, of course. We loved the intense sound effects.

2. Batman, 1967

Batman was a 1960s American television series based on the famous comic book character. Adam West starred as Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, and Burt Ward played Dick Grayson, whose alter ego was Robin.

Slot car racing made an appearance on the show in 1967, and what an impressive appearance it was. In this episode, Dick’s aunt, Harriet, surprises Bruce and Dick by revealing a new playroom, complete with a massive slot car track. It’s great to see Batman and Robin taking some time out from fighting villains to have some lighthearted fun.

3. The Simpsons, 1996

It seems slot car fever even spread to Springfield. Television’s longest-standing and perhaps most iconic animated series of all time, The Simpsons, featured the hobby in a 1996 episode. In case you’ve been living under a rock, The Simpsons is a satirical American comedy about Homer Simpson, an overweight nuclear plant worker, and his family.

In this scene, Homer’s wife, Marge, finds him in the living room in his underpants, busily playing with his slot cars. They are due to host a dinner party and needless to say Homer gets a dressing-down. Last year, the series was renewed until 2017, so here’s hoping slot cars make another appearance.