Author's Note: Ever since writing my story "The Silent Conversation" in 2013, I have been toying with exploring the journalistic style of writing and what might be written about the Tracy brothers excelling in their ordinary lives. The chapters are not related. There is a beginning and an interview. There is no plot, no real end. It's been an interesting experience that's for sure.
A Place in Time – Chapter 1
written by mcj
Based on the background of the 20th episode of the Original Series "Move and You're Dead"
August 2026
It had been one bold move, even for someone as brazen as him, and right from the beginning the response to the request had been a polite but very firm 'no.'
Yes, his youngest son was intending to race at the 'Parola Sands' in two months' time but it had already been agreed with the Organisers that he wasn't expected to participate in any interviews. Rest assured his appearance was only for charity purposes and any prize money would be fairly distributed.
"Thank you for your interest in my son, Mr Gollan," was how the email had ended. "Have a pleasant day."
The typed response bore the distinctive signature block of Jefferson G. Tracy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tracy Corporation, New York. Boy, had he been pissed that the fate of his request had been decided by some personal assistant, rather than coming directly from the man himself.
But then again, he was a journalist and the temporary setback was just another challenge to overcome. It took a lot more than 'no' to discourage him from securing the interview. The racing fraternity had no idea what to expect with the return of the "wonder kid" Alan Tracy, and there was one magazine in particular who was prepared to cough up the big bucks for the scoop if he used his ingenuity and managed to find out. A tele-call here... a few tip-offs there... before too long he had it on good authority that Tracy and his pretty little lady were in town for the launch of the summer collection of her favourite Parisian fashion label.
"There will be a substantial donation to charity." The words had rolled off his tongue, smooth as silk.
"If that's the case, maybe you should do it for him, Alan."
It had been that simple.
The "wonder-kid" was prepared to do anything to please his girl.
Time Magazine – October 2026
"The Track Masters"
Larry Gollan
They were two of the greatest rivals the motor racing world witnessed battling it out on the race tracks – blond, baby-faced American, Alan Tracy and his talented but ruthless opponent, Spanish-born, Victor Gomez.
This week they will battle it out again at motor racing's most grueling event, the Parola Sands; the only race thirty-five-year-old Gomez admits he's never won and the only one so far able to coax Tracy out of his self-imposed retirement.
"The Sands has everything." At least it has according to twenty-one-year-old Alan Tracy. "There's just this atmosphere when you're a part of it…so many fantastic cars, dangerous curves and best of all, the opportunity to triumph over your own mental adversity."
Tracy has gasoline in his blood and money in his trust account. On the other end of the spectrum, Victor Gomez has had to claw his way to the top through sheer persistence; a persistence which allowed him to rise through the ranks right behind Alan Tracy.
In 2024, they were both identified as the leading contenders for supremacy of the motor racing circuit. At nineteen, Tracy combined his college studies in Colorado with weekends spent pushing his luck to the limit, while Gomez teetered precariously on the knife's edge, his only goal to cross the finish line first. By the end of the season they had both survived spectacular accidents, the first with Gomez losing control when he was in second place challenging Tracy for the front and the second with Tracy losing his grip on a tight corner and slamming into the crash barrier only seconds after he took the chequered flag and winner's cup.
"That was one huge error of judgement."
Tracy reflects on his performance two and a half years on.
"I was going so fast I temporarily lost my vision. The next thing I remember was waking up in the hospital and wondering what in the hell I'd hit. The car was a write off, so I guess I was lucky to escape with only a few minor injuries. Not to mention my father questioning the sensibilities of my plans for a post-college Championship career on the race-track."
Tracy laughs.
"He wasn't impressed."
Victor Gomez wasn't quite so lucky. When his car hit the barrier at one hundred and fifty miles per hour, a broken leg, a fractured skull and a badly-cracked rib cage ended all hope of him forcing Tracy into second place on the leader board. Gomez could only watch from the sidelines as Tracy swept through 2025 and into 2026 undefeated, his skill behind the wheel now so acutely developed that nothing seemed to stand between him and number one.
"2025 was a great year for me. I was super confident and all the risks I took during the races somehow just seemed to pay off. Plus, I had a fantastic car. It was an amazing ride every time."
Tracy's signature black Ferrari certainly drew more than its fair share of attention at the Parola Sands event last year. Ferrari on the outside, a specially designed engine on the inside and with twenty-year-old Tracy prepared to push its capability to the limit; he made it clear right from the outset that there was no intention of divulging the genius behind the patent.
"Every time I was interviewed I was asked who designed the car. I saw no reason to disclose the details and I didn't. I think I read about myself as being some arrogant rich kid the first time I refused to comment and was prepared to stand my ground. The truth is, the designer of the car wasn't interested in mass production and I was fortunate not to have the pressure of promotion in exchange for continued sponsorship."
As to what to expect in their clash this year, Gomez and Tracy are both quietly confident.
Tracy confirms he has another new car.
Gomez says he isn't worried.
"Tracy has been out of the game for over ten months now. He should know there's more to winning the Sands than just a powerful engine in a fast car."
To which Tracy simply smiles before he acknowledges the challenge.
"Yes, it's been a year since I've been on the race-track, but nothing's changed when it comes down to racing against Victor Gomez. The only thing that really counts to either of usis who crosses the finish line first."
Fin.