The Race

Laurie Lee Wilson

What the citizens had been hearing was true. The Race was going to be run in Tile Town! The Race, sponsored by the automobile manufacturer, Terrestrial Transports, was a driver endurance test run on a long, difficult course. No one had heard of anyone finishing in less than a week and often the participants were driving for a month or more. It had been a popular event for some time in other parts of the country and TT Mfg. had decided to offer the opportunity to the residents of Tile Town.

Representatives from TT Mfg. arrived with a load of its newest model car, the Faith Deluxe II, for distribution to interested drivers. After a trial period, in which the participants practiced with their cars, the representatives started the Race.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the voice of the TT Mfg. representative boomed over the loudspeakers, "let me remind you of a few ground rules." He cleared his throat.

"1.  Your Faith Deluxe II was given to you so you would be able to participate in the Race. Remember, it will be impossible to finish the Race without it.

"2.  Keep your fuel tanks full.

"3.  Care for your car properly.

"4.  Study the map provided and follow the signs so that you will not lose the course.

"Drivers, start your engines!"

At first confident, the drivers soon began to be distracted. They found there were gas station attendants, food store owners, and hitch hikers along the way who tried to convince them that they needed more than the representatives had told them—unleaded fuel, better mufflers, and smog devices. Although the TT Mfg. representatives had told the drivers their cars were fully equipped, some of the drivers from Tile Town were beginning to doubt. They made some changes, but the changes didn't seem to help at all. The drivers were becoming confused. 

Word got back to TT Mfg. The representatives were worried. The manufacturer had designed FDII especially for the Tile Town participants and tampering was only damaging. 

One concerned representative sat down and wrote a message that was to be posted in places where the Tile Town drivers would be sure to see it when they stopped to rest. 

You foolish Tile Towners. Who has changed your thinking? You were given a clear description of what the Race entailed. Tell me, didn’t you accept the gift of the FDII so you could enter the Race? You started with a car that met all the specifications. Why do you want to add worrisome details to the Race? Others have successfully finished the Race using only the FDII. The vehicle is what carries you to the end, not a smog device, a different muffler, or unleaded fuel. Don’t get bogged down in incidentals. Remember the Race!

The Race has come to our town. Have you checked out your Faith Deluxe II?