The problem of performance optimization in current controlled switched reluctance motor (SRM) drives is investigated. Two controllers are proposed that determine the optimal turn-on and turn-off angles, respectively, for improving motor efficiency and torque ripple. The suggested controllers are simple, do not affect the complexity of the drive, and are easily implemented since the knowledge of torque-angle-current characteristics or magnetization curves is not required. The proposed control scheme is demonstrated on a prototype experimental system.