Amanda Stretton

Born Amanda Cohn on July 24, 1973, in London, Amanda Stretton developed an early interest in motorsports, influenced by her father, British automobile collector Terry Cohn. She attended New Hall School in Essex and by age 13, she was already racing Motocross bikes. Her career in motor racing progressed significantly, making her a notable figure in a male-dominated sport. She became the first female driver to compete in the ASCAR Mintex Cup in 2001, where she achieved a 6th place finish. In 2003, she formed the first-ever female team in the British GT Championships and was the first British female to race in the FIA Championships. A significant achievement came in September 2004 when she became the first British woman to win an international long-distance event at Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium. Her racing career culminated with an appearance in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 2006.

Stretton’s transition into media began after a television debate on women’s driving abilities, which led to an offer from Channel 4. She co-presented their motorsports coverage under “Motorsport on 4,” covering British Formula 3, GT, MGF, and Rally Championships, as well asAnglo-American Stock Car Racing and UK Supercross. She also presented Channel 4’s Driven. Following Channel 4’s loss of motorsports rights, Stretton continued presenting for new rights holders including Sky Sports, EuroSport, and Silverstone TV, and served as a radio commentator for the American and European Le Mans Series. Her media work extended to non-motorsports programs for the Travel Channel and NOW.com.

Her career continued with Channel 5’s “Dream Machine” series, focusing on classic car restoration, and “UK Horror Homes.” She co-presented the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Goodwood Revival, and The Goodwood Members Meeting for ITV1 with Murray Walker. Beyond television, Stretton is a freelance journalist, contributing to various newspaper columns and specialist motoring publications. She has also served as a brand spokesperson and presenter for companies like Mercedes-Benz, Michelin, and the Panasonic Jaguar Racing Formula E Team. Stretton is currently the motoring editor at Confused.com and an ambassador for the cancer care charity Hope for Tomorrow.