High-Performance Driving
In-car tuition tailored to you and your car, building technique and vehicle dynamics corner by corner.
SWR - Performance
Motorsport Academy & Driver Coaching
Stephen Whiteley
The driving consultant trusted by Porsche, Mercedes-AMG and Genesis — and BBC Top Gear's race instructor — delivering professional, data-led coaching from first trackday to race weekend.
Coaching credentials trusted by
- Porsche
- Mercedes-AMG
- Genesis
- BBC Top Gear
About
Coaching by Stephen Whiteley
SWR - Performance is a world class motorsport academy and driver coaching service run by Stephen Whiteley — a performance driving instructor, race coach and advanced driving specialist with over 30 years of experience across motorsport, high-performance coaching, electric vehicle instruction and manufacturer-led programmes.
A proven track record with Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, Genesis and BBC Top Gear, at Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Thruxton, Silverstone, plus others. International circuits including Spa-Francorchamps, Circuit de Catalunya and Paul Ricard, in everything from hot hatch to GT4.
The coaching style is safety-first, calm and clear — developing drivers from complete beginners through to competitive racers, alongside VIP event hosting and corporate programmes.
Based in South East England. Available at circuits nationally and internationally.
Services
What we do
Race Coaching & Race Craft
Racing line, overtaking, starts and consistency — developed with an ARDS Class A instructor.
Track & Test Day Support
Trackside coaching through practice, qualifying and race at circuits, plus test session and development support.
EV & Manufacturer Programmes
Specialist instruction across multiple EV platforms, including Porsche, AMG Mercedes EQ, Genesis, plus product and brand events.
Low-Friction & 4x4 Off-Road
Wet-grip, winter driving, dynamic handling and off-road modules in 4x4s including Land Rover, Mercedes and others.
Motorsport Academy
A structured path from road driver to race licence and your first competitive season.
Why SWR
Time on track, well spent
30+ years' experience
Instructing and racing since 1995, from complete beginners to competitive championship drivers.
Safety-first coaching style
Calm, clear communication that builds real confidence before it builds lap time.
National & international circuits & cars
Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Thruxton, Silverstone, plus others. International circuits including Spa-Francorchamps, Circuit de Catalunya and Paul Ricard, in everything from hot hatch to GT4.
Hot hatchGT4SaloonEV4x4
Experience
Where I've coached
2024 – Present
Porsche Experience Centre — Silverstone
Driving Consultant
High-performance and experiential Porsche programmes, with model-specific and EV product expertise.
2022 – Present
Genesis Motor Company
Driving Consultant & Product Specialist
Dynamic and at-home test drives across London and the Home Counties, plus premium VIP events.
2020 – Present
SWR Performance
Motorsport Academy & Driver Coaching
Specialist driver development at track days, test sessions and competitive race events.
2014 – Present
Mercedes-Benz / AMG
AMG Driving Academy Coach
Advanced programmes at Brooklands and Silverstone across AMG, EQ electric and 4x4 vehicles.
2012 – Present
Silverstone Experience Centre
Performance Driving Instructor
Structured coaching in Lotus, Ferrari, Aston Martin, GT-R, Mercedes AMG, McLaren, BMW and many more.
2014 – 2017
BBC Top Gear — Dunsfold
Race Instructor
Instructor for 'Star in a Reasonably Priced Car', plus off-road instruction on filming days.
Credentials
Licences & qualifications
- ARDS Instructor – Class A
- National A / International C Race Licence (since 1995)
- SDSA Level 3 Accredited
- First Aid Trained & DBS Certified
- Independent Public Liability Insurance
- Silverstone Race School Graduate
Racing
Competitive record
- Silverstone Saloon Car Championship — Peugeot 306 XSi (multiple wins & podiums)
- Dunlop Mini 7 — Spax Champion, and Mini Miglia Championship
- Birkett 6 Hour Relay
- Seat Leon TCR and Aston Martin Vantage GT4 test experience
Feedback
What drivers say
Feedback from drivers coached by Stephen and his team.
Stephen transformed my braking points in a single session. I came away with clear priorities to work on — not just a faster lap, but a faster driver.
From first ARDS test to my first race weekend, the coaching was structured and safety-first. Starts, overtaking and consistency all improved — I couldn't have asked for a better mentor.
An exceptional instructor who made a high-powered AMG GT feel approachable and controllable. Professional, encouraging and hugely knowledgeable throughout the whole experience.
Stephen's race-craft sessions gave me the edge in close-quarters racing. Car placement, race starts and defensive lines all improved — the difference between podium and points.
FAQ
Common questions
Contact
Get in touch
Tell Stephen your car, circuit and goals — he'll come back with the right coaching plan.