NINE years ago, eight college friends were brought together by their passion for cars and motorsports. They formed Team Redlinerz.

“Our name comes from the racing term redline, which basically represents extracting the maximum performance from an engine. And that’s what we expect from our members, their maximum potential,” said Joseph Montaque, core founder and the club’s marketing director.

Upon inception, Team Redlinerz became active in motorsports participating in several sprint and drag racing events at Vernamfield in Clarendon.

Over the years, their numbers grew to 28, encompassing a mix of members and vehicle brands. Not unexpectedly their club’s dominant brand is Honda, which is known for its high-revving, high performance machines.

“We do have a wide array of cars even with all the Hondas in our club. There are Mitsubishi, Subaru, Volkswagen and even Nissan vehicles,” said Montaque.

Besides its involvement in motorsports, the club stages activities such as car washes, car shows, and a corporate lyme called ‘Dyno Days’.

“We are very professional and this appeals to corporate Jamaica, so we’ve also been a part of event promotions and advertising campaigns,” he said.

The money raised takes care of the team’s expenses and when possible finds its way to charity.

“We donated essential items to the Alpha Boys’ Home, and when we’re there, we give them the chance to interact with our cars.”

The team members themselves enjoy discounts with an insurance company and auto parts supplier.

In celebration of its 10th anniversary next year, Team Redlinerz is renewing its commitment to their motorsports by building a race car.

“Rather than having to use our modified street cars, which is expensive and risky for individual members, we’re currently building a race car for all the members to have access to,” Montaque said.