Charlotte Birch
Charlotte is a GT Cup - Lamborghini Super Trofeo & Ginetta G55, Ex Britcar and Junior Saloon Car DriverARDS A Driver Coach
View ARDS DetailsOur ARDS Qualified Race Instructors
Meet our professional, ARDS-qualified instructors helping you drive faster, safer and with more confidence on the UK’s fastest circuit.
About Our Instructors
What sets Thruxton apart is our team of ARDS-qualified instructors. This nationally recognised accreditation ensures every guest receives professional, consistent and safety-focused coaching — something not all circuits offer.
With expert guidance on car control, racing lines and cornering technique, you’ll quickly build confidence and take your driving experience to the next level.
Rob Manger
Rob Manger is one of Thruxton’s ‘S’ grade ARDS Instructors, working at the race school for over 35 years. A race CV encompassing single seaters, sportscars and touring cars in contemporary and historic categories sits alongside a global coaching history at many of the world’s finest circuits and test facilities.
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David Hornsey
Multiple race winning instructor in saloon and sportscar racing. Specialising in circuit, off road and drift instructing.
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Harry King
Harry is a multiple champion in the UK and worldwide. Winning championships throughout his career. He can often be found in the ride car here at Thruxton.
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Michael Vitulli
An experienced & recognised ARDS Instructor and Driver Coach in and around the South East area. Having successfully competed in a number of Motorsport Championships around the UK from the age of eight, now over 30 years on and still competing and enjoying Motorsport - currently racing in various UK Championships.
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Sid Smith
Sid Smith is a racing driver & performance coach currently competing in Porsche Carrera Cup. He has experience in all types of cars & tracks, as well as working a range of skill-levels to maximise their potential.
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John Bennett
John started racing in the Ginetta GT5 Challenge, finishing as the runner-up in 2021. He then moved over to the GB3 Championship. John then stepped up to FIA Formula 2 season.
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Paul Fullick
Driver coaching with a specialisation for people with physical challenges. ARDS Instructor | IAM OBSERVER | IAM Masters (Distinction) | ROSPA (Gold).Paul currently competes in the British Endurance Championship in a Mclaren 570s GT4.
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Harry Hickton
Harry Hickton is a young, but experienced racing driver and instructor, winning multiple races in his career. In 2024, he won the Mini Challenge Trophy Title. He is also an ARDS Grade A instructor.
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Rob Barff
Professional Driver Coach and retired Le Mans driver. A veteran of eighteen 24 Hour races, including two times Le Mans 24 Hours. 30 years coaching experience, competition licence holder since 1987 with over 65 race victories and 135 podiums.
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Will Dendy
Will Dendy is an experienced international driver coach; Sweden (Swedish GT Series) the UAE (Yas Marina Circuit) and the UK (British GT, Ferrari Challenge, Porsche Carrera Cup, GT Cup, Motorsport Vision). He has extensive knowledge of all UK circuits in all conditions.
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James Hedley
James has worked his way up the motorsport ladder, winning championships along the way. Currently racing in FIA Formula 3, James bring a a huge amount of knowledge when instructing.
View ARDS DetailsARDS FAQs
About ARDS Instructors
ARDS stands for the Association of Racing Drivers Schools. It’s the organisation in the UK that governs and licences circuit racing instructors and monitors the racing schools that offer formal training and licensing courses. ARDS is recognised by Motorsport UK (the national governing body for motorsport), which delegates responsibility for instructor licensing and race training to them.
An ARDS instructor licence is the official and recognised credential for circuit driving instruction in the UK, particularly for racing-related training and tuition. Licences are granted under Motorsport UK authority and involve structured training, assessment, and annual renewal.
ARDS instructors receive graded licences based on experience and competence. These grades reflect increasing levels of responsibility, technical knowledge, coaching ability, on-track safety oversight, and depth of motorsport experience.
Credibility & Trust
Because ARDS is backed by Motorsport UK, an ARDS licence gives instructors formal recognition and credibility within the industry, whether they’re coaching novices, advanced drivers, or racers.
Safety & Standards
All instructors are trained in recognised safety protocols, briefing procedures, and circuit standards, ensuring that instruction is safe, consistent, and aligned with best practice.
1. Official Accreditation
They hold the only nationally recognised licence for circuit instruction in UK motorsport.
2. Safety-First Approach
They are trained to UK and Motorsport UK standards for safety, briefing, circuit management and risk mitigation.
3. Structured Training & Assessment
Their qualification is earned through formal training and evaluation, not just experience alone.
4. Graded Expertise
Grades reflect real-world track, coaching, and technical proficiency, allowing drivers and clients to understand an instructor’s level before booking.
Not all circuits or venues require instructors to hold ARDS licences and that’s exactly what sets Thruxton Circuit apart.
ARDS qualification isn’t just a badge, it reflects formal training, industry-recognised standards, and Motorsport UK endorsement.