Meet the instructors

Martin Donnelly Chief instructor

LDA Chief Instructor and former Lotus Formula 1™ driver Martin Donnelly developed a unique driver training program. The new design format is developed around the requirements of the individual participants while also enhancing the knowledge of driving lines, precise steering, smooth power application and effective braking.

Paul Adams Instructor

I am a Vehicle Development Engineer and have worked at Lotus since 1995. I drove the first Lotus soapbox (119) in 2002 at Goodwood and drove the third Lotus soapbox (119C) in 2004, winning outright and setting the fastest time ever recorded. I have taken part in sprint races held on the Lotus track and I also raced in the 125cc Rotax Max Go-Kart class in 2000/1.

In 2005 I started working for Lotus Motorsport as a track driving Instructor, helping out with client ride and drives and also demonstrating Lotus product at various race circuits.

David Brise Instructor

I started karting in 1995 in a formula TKM 100. Testing for wheel and ignition manufacturers led on to becoming a race instructor at the age of 19.

I have been a professional instructor for 7 years with experience in all driving disciplines, some of which is based at the Lotus site in Hethel on the Driver training programmes. I am currently racing a Formula Ford 1600 in which I have a number of Class wins to my name.

Danny Golubovic Instructor

My involvement with Lotus dates back to 1996. I started on the production line building the Series 1 Elise and shortly after became a Service Technician for Lotus Sport, which is where I am today. My job role varies from servicing and upgrades to engine rebuilds and full vehicle restoration. I have worked on a wide range of Lotus Cars, which also include special projects such as, the Lotus GT3 race-car, Sport 190 Elise, Exige 240R and the 2-Eleven GT4 Superlight.

I have been a fully qualified Lotus Instructor for the past 4 years. I get involved with Lotus Driver Training, customer prospect events and product demonstrations at Hethel and other UK circuits.

I hold a Class B Race Licence and I am a certified ARDS Instructor.

Dave Minter Instructor

I have been a part of the development team at Lotus for a period covering nearly 30 years and currently involved with all aspects of development on Elise platform vehicles. I was Driving instructor on original driver training project for external clients in 1985 and actively involved in setting up Driver Training course at Hethel in 1999.

My involvement with Lotus also included many ride and handling projects for major client OEMs as well as instrumental in the development and proving of many Lotus products including;
Race Esprits for USA, Holland and Italy, X180R limited edition USA road version of the SCCA race Esprit, Esprit Sport 300 limited edition European version of SCCA race car, conceptual design, planning and organisation of the Elise prototype build plus development of all Elise Mk1 models including aftermarket accessories.

Paul Parkinson Instructor

I have competed at motocross and motorcycle racing since the age of 5 nationwide until 2003.

Joined Lipscomb Cars Ltd as a fleet driver in October 2004 and became a Lotus Sales Specialist in 2006 and in 2007 I was certified by Alastair McQueen as a Driver Training Instructor.

Simon Poole Instructor

I have been involved with Lotus for 8 years, originally owning one of the Ex-Autobytel series Motorsport Elises and racing it for 3 years. I have been a Lotus owner for 12 years and currently own a 1966 Lotus Elan.

My racing career started in 1998 racing an Alfa GTV and then moving on to Lotuses. I have been instructing at Lotus on the Driver Training programme for the past 5 years. I am a full time professional instructor and work freelance for a number of other manufacturers including Aston Martin, Ferrari, Mazda, Seat and Renault, and at most circuits in the UK and Europe.

Glynn Swetnam Instructor

I am a Chassis Development Engineer and have been at Lotus for 10 years now. I have worked on most current Lotus products including the Elise R and the Exige S. I work on client projects ranging from small micro cars right up to the Aston Vanquish.

During my career within Lotus and externally, I have tested or instructed at a wide range of Proving Grounds and Race Circuits in the UK and across Europe. As well as instructing at the weekends, my "Day Job" in the week is as part of the team developing the new Lotus Evora!

Graham White Instructor

Presently involved in track day instruction, high performance driving tuition and race driving instruction and coaching.
Engine building and car preparation, trackday and club level motorsport.
Car manufacturers promotional events, vehicle dynamics.

First worked with Lotus Cars Ltd on the launch and promotion of the series 1 Elise with Alistair McQueen. Instructed on the Lotus Driver Training Days at Hethel with the S1 and S2 Elise until 2002.
Joined Lotus Cars again in 2007 instructing on the Driver Training days and SYS days via Simon Poole Motorsport.

Motorsport instructor since 1999 when I started at the Brands Hatch Race School. Continued with Brands Hatch instructing on the Rally School, Super Car Experience and corporate events.
Also work with Caterham Cars on their experience days and have instructed at most circuits in Britain.

Motorsport background starts in 1975 racing a Mini prepared by myself going on to preparing cars for other people to race. Got into instructing by showing my customers how to drive the cars I've prepared for them. Have also competed in Fiesta, Rover SD1, Caterham, Morgan+8 and at present competing in historic saloon car racing in a Mini Cooper S. Have raced this year and 2007 at Pau, Spa and Dijon in the Cooper S.