Shifting Gears

Tom Williamson (R. Keith Harris, who also wrote and produced) has never resolved his feelings about his recently deceased father in SHIFTING GEARS. As the film opens, Tom's job is in jeopardy. He's been victimized by his pretentious boss (C. Thomas Howell). And it's an especially challenging time for him with his own son, Jeremy (Adam Hicks), a dirt track racing enthusiast. So, when Carol (Brooke Langstron), Tom's wife, suggests they take possession of a house and gas station that his dad has left him, Tom is very reluctant. It would require a major move, uprooting the family and returning to his hometown. Not only that, Tom's sure that his dad will somehow mess it up as he always has, even from the grave. Carol reminds him that it will also mean a fresh start for all of them. Finally, Tom agrees. When they arrive at their destination, both house and business are in shambles, but they won't be deterred. Just as they begin to make headway, a local business "tycoon" (John Ratzenberger) who wants to develop the land Tom has inherited threatens to upend it all. The Williamsons are faced with an outstanding debt they didn't know existed. Their only salvation may be the upcoming Grand National Race, "the U.S. Open of Dirt Track Racing," which offers a first prize of $50,000.