does anyone know how to remove the plasic around the middle console (around the shifters)?

The '96 Tracker Factory Service Manual at Ack's FAQ (see link in signature, below) has instructions for disassembling the console.

Do a search for fsm.

You didn't specify which year TracKick (I assume it's a TracKick from your avatar) you have, but if it's 89-98, the above source of info should be pretty close to correct.  Or at least helpful...

2001 GV

You have to remove the rear section (the one that goes over the handbrake) first - slide the seats all the way forward and you'll see two screws, one on each side, if I remember correctly, it helps if you put the t/case into 4LO.

After that comes off, slide the seats all the way back, there are two more screws, one on each side and two plastic "rivets" that are a real PITA to reach - get an allen key or bend a coat hanger into an L and push the center in and then ease the rivet out with a small flat screwdriver - carefully work the t/case boot through the hole, if it's a 5-speed, carefully lift the shifter boot off of the lip on the console (if it's an A/T you'll have to figure that out yourself) and lift the console clear.