Tracks (G1)

Tracks is an Autobot in the Generation 1 continuity family.

Hi, I'm fabulous.

Tracks is a little bit of a narcissist, according to his Autobot buddies, and it's hard for him to stay lighthearted and gay under such criticism. He attributes it to jealousy: few Autobots are so well-endowed with a sleek, muscular, and tastefully decorated sports car mode as his.

The truth is, Tracks' armament is considerable. He is able to launch two flaming incendiary missiles from long and durable launcher shafts. These projectiles are heat-seeking, tracing the warmth of unsuspecting Decepticon bodies and striking hard. He is further armed with a black-beam gun, which shoots forth a beam of light-negating radiation, embracing his enemies in darkness, unaware of the Autobot until he strikes from behind, and leaves them moaning on the cold ground!

Tracks can also fly like a butterfly by deploying his secret, hidden wings from their protective closet.

He should be a dangerous opponent, but his concern with preserving his stylish appearance and poor ability to work with fellow Autobots hampers him. Often he simply cruises the metro area alone all night, looking for Decepticons worthy of his attentions.

Fiction

Animated continuity

Voice actor: Michael McConnohie (USA), Shô Hayami (Japan)

Radio killed the video star.

When San Francisco was threatened by an alien bird creature, Tracks risked his life in battle to defend the city. The Secret of Omega Supreme

Tracks had two turns as the episode star in the second season of Transformers. In both episodes, Make Tracks and Auto-Bop, a young street punk named Raoul was also featured as the Spike to Tracks' Bumblebee.

Toys

Generation 1

• Tracks (Autobot, 1985)

Japanese ID number: 44

Some looks just don't go out of fashion, my dear.

The original Tracks toy transforms into a blue Corvette Stingray with a large flame decal on his hood. Via two flip-out wings and attachable rocket launchers, Tracks' vehicle mode could achieve a flight mode. In robot mode, Tracks is armed with a long rifle that covers most of his lower arm, and the two white rocket launchers are now attached to the head structure.

The European version of Tracks by Milton Bradley was initially available in red, based on the original Diaclone color scheme. Due to poor sales, Hasbro decided to re-release Tracks in Europe, this time in his blue US colors. Because of this, the red MB version ended up being rather rare.

This mold was used to make Road Rage, based on the red European version.

• Tracks with Basher (Action Master, 1991)

As if I would be seen wearing that.

This version of Tracks was was a European exclusive, sculpted to resemble his cartoon appearances, but was inaccurately coloured. As with all Action Masters, he cannot transform, but is highly articulted by the standards of the time, and came with small tank partner named Basher who could transform to a minor degree. Basher formed a sort of battle helmet/ugly hat and backpack equipment, coloured in bright green and baby blue. Oy.

Alternators

• Autobot Tracks (2004, 2006)

Japanese ID number: BT-06

You can colour me blue, you can colour me yellow, but I will still be that most excellent fellow.

Tracks was first released in Japan under Takara's Binaltech line, with a yellow paint job, but was later released in blue to match Hasbro's Alternators release. Tracks transforms into a Corvette Z06 featuring open doors, hood and a realistic interior. Amusingly enough, his rocket launchers are stored next to the passenger and driver seats.

In robot mode, Tracks greatly resembles his G1 self, though with one major difference - the roof of his actual car no longer forms the front of his chest. Instead, he has a pseudo-car roof chest piece that folds down. His large shoulder pads formed from the rear halves of the car, give the impression of the wings his original toy had. He is armed with his double-barreled engine gun, two pairs of double-barreled slide-out wrist blasters, and two shoulder mounted rocket launchers, making him the most heavily armed Alternators toy.

The main difference between the Japanese and US releases is that the Japanese Binaltech versions are constructed of die-cast metal for the majority of the car body panels, which are also fully painted. The blue version of Binaltech Tracks also came with a large reproduction of his original hood flame sticker. This sticker was eventually released with Hasbro's own Alternators Swerve.

Trivia

• It is frequently joked amongst Transformers fans that Tracks is a homosexual, although the character has not actually demonstrated any romantic interest in other male characters.

• Voice actor Michael McConnohie claims Tracks is not gay. He chose the voice of Thurston Howell (played by Jim Backus) from Gilligan's Island as the basis for the snooty voice and mannerisms. McConnohie refers to Tracks' manner of dialect as a "Harvard Lockjaw".

• In parts of Europe, Tracks was released in the Diaclone toy's red deco. It is possible Hasbro has originally planned for tracks to be released in Diaclone colors, as Tracks is red complete with the Diaclone hood stickers ("CS" instead of the Autobot sigil) on the 1985 back-of-the-box mural.

• The Binaltech/Alternator Dodge Viper mold, first released as Sideswipe, was originally designed as Tracks. In "The Transformers: Binaltech & TF Collection Complete Guide," a Japan only book on the series released in 2005, there are design drawings with Tracks' head, as well as a different transformation for the doors allowing them to more closely resemble Tracks' G1 wings. Although the original design drawings have certain Tracks-like features more pronounced, the final release version still has the basic design and many mold details that resemble Tracks more so than Sideswipe.

External links

• Tracks at TFU.info
• Tracks' Universe profile at NTFA.net

From Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki, a Wikia wiki.