Andy Scott is a prime...

Andy Scott is a prime example. He works in product development for the Japanese manufacturer, but leads a double life as race engineer for James Kaye, Synchro"s driver in the Independents" Cup of the Green Flag British Touring Car Championship. He told us: "Sacrifices have to be made. It requires a lot of commitment, and we recruit people at the beginning of each season. But the number of volunteers tails off as it progresses." Most of the enthusiasts have been involved for a number of years, but according to Andy, there are no restrictions on who can and can"t join in. "Some people are pen-pushers at work," he explained. "It"s not so much about ability as a willingness to learn." The team is made up of around 15 people, but there"s none of the luxury trappings often associated with motorsport for them.

Personal commitments and a lack of annual leave mean not everyone is available for every race. As a result, family members are often cajoled into helping out, by holding the pit board or simply fetching and carrying. Rob Coombs - a service parts co-ordinator in the real world, but in charge of bodywork and rear suspension in the pitlane - even put racing before the biggest day of his life.

"My partner and I have an understanding," he half-joked. "We chose our wedding day for a date after the season has ended." She must be a very understanding woman! But sacrifices are made by everyone involved with the project. Take Alyn Jones - he"s been with the outfit for four years, joining almost as soon as he started at the plant.

He spends his weeks tweaking production line robots, but is Mr Transmission when he"s wearing his team colours. After the meet at Mondello Park in Ireland earlier this year, Alyn arrived back in Swindon at around midnight - just in time for his night shift! With limited resources, such commitment to the cause is invaluable.

When you consider team members are unpaid, it"s easy to understand why enthusiasm wanes. There"s no company money for accommodation and travel, either. "In a way it"s a good thing," said Andy ruefully. "If it was all paid for, we"d have loads of people wanting to be involved!"

Honda formed the group in 1997 as a breeding ground for young engineers, and Synchro is taken from the codename for the Accord - the model originally raced by the team. An ex-works Civic has since replaced it, and this was funded by the manufacturer. However, the car and workshop are all that"s free. Most of the three-door"s parts are bespoke, although the plant can be scoured for items such as lights and bumpers.

Any production line bits that don"t reach necessary quality levels find their way to Synchro HQ, and people can use the factory facilities to make parts. For example, the bonnet has to be specially shaped to clear the 280bhp engine"s inlet manifold - but the guys can only do it in their own time.

The "one race" life expectancy of many parts can cause a headache. Barry Smith, whose day job is in "special projects", is responsible for the Civic"s bodywork. He said: "We"ve got three of everything, one for each of the day"s races, so if James damages the car in practice, we have to patch up and save stuff. Red and silver sticky tape helps keep things looking smart!"

Compared to the BTCC"s works-backed outfits, Synchro works on a shoestring budget. But that makes Kaye"s recent fourth place at Brands Hatch all the more remarkable. He even beat an "official" Civic to add to the squad"s joy - but with a н‚бЈ2,500 prize for the first independent team home every race, that isn"t the only reason to be cheerful!