Of course, Team 48 wasn't the first footballer-backed failure...

Encke Sport Vauxhall Astra Coupe

What was the plan?

In early January 2007, goalkeeper Peter Enckelman announced he was setting up a BTCC team, to be managed by Ed Tilley, also rumoured to be one of the drivers. The team actually got as far as buying three ancient Vauxhall Astra Coupes, as well as announcing a number of staff appointments. They also announced plans for a pair of S2000 cars for the following season.

What happened?

The team at a very minimum had access to a pair of Vauxhall Astra Coupes, and judging from the classified ads in Autosport a few months later, actually owned at least two of them. They never ran, no testing, no drivers were ever announced and the team just disappeared into thin air.

Chance of revival?

If Enckelman really wanted to the BTCC, being an ex-Premier League footballer means he probably has the money to do so. I rather doubt we'll ever hear of this project again however.