Meet the Team
John & Pete
Kate
Darren & Laura
Founders & Drivers
UK Monster Truck Rides wouldn’t be what it is today without the passion, experience, and dedication of co‑owners John and Pete. Together, they bring decades of hands‑on knowledge, engineering skill, and pure love for the sport.
John is the nephew of Karl Swallow, a legendary driver who travelled the world performing alongside Monster Jam. Growing up in that world, John has been living, breathing, and building Monster Trucks since day one.
There’s nothing he can’t design, fix, or improve. Whether he’s under the hood or behind the wheel, John’s skill is unmistakable and he can diagnose a problem before most people even hear it. With dreams of one day returning behind the wheel of a racetruck, he’s a driver to watch and the force behind everything we do.
Every great team has it's mystery—and for UK Monster Truck Rides, that’s Pete. He’s the quieter half of the duo, the one who doesn’t need the spotlight to make an impact. But don’t let the calm exterior fool you. When Pete gets behind the wheel, his talent speaks louder than any engine.
Operations Manager & Driver
Every great team needs someone who keeps the wheels turning, the schedules tight, and the crew well‑fed. At UK Monster Truck Rides, that’s Kate. She’s the organisational backbone of the team— always three steps ahead.
And yes—she drives too.
Taught by John, Kate can confidently handle the truck around the arena, giving riders the full Monster Truck experience with the same professionalism and precision she brings to every part of the business. Whether she’s behind the wheel or behind the scenes, Kate ensures everyone gets the thrill they came for.
Driver and Welcome Committee
Darren and Laura have been with UK Monster Truck Rides from the very beginning, helping shape the experience into what it is today. Their dedication, energy, and love for the sport make them an essential part of the team.
Darren is one of the original drivers, trusted with delivering the full Monster Truck thrill to every rider who climbs aboard. With years of experience and a calm, confident style behind the wheel, he knows exactly how to balance excitement with safety. He’s steady, skilled, and a huge part of why the show runs so smoothly.
If you’ve ever arrived at a UK Monster Truck Rides event and been greeted by a burst of enthusiasm, that was probably Laura. She’s usually found at the entrance, welcoming everyone with her infectious energy and making sure everyone starts their experience with a smile.
Together, Laura and Darren bring heart, history, and a whole lot of passion to the team—proof that sometimes it’s your friends who become your family.
Isaac
Spud
Driver and Chaos Expert
Head of Security
Every workshop needs someone who can turn their hand to anything, jump in wherever needed, and keep the energy high. For UK Monster Truck Rides, that’s Isaac. Part driver, part all‑round grafter, part chaos‑maker, he’s been by John’s side since they were teenagers.
Anyone who knows Isaac knows he has a habit of “leaving his mark” somewhere on the truck. A bolt here, a doodle there, a mysterious modification no one remembers approving—his fingerprints are everywhere, and the team wouldn’t have it any other way.
Spud isn’t just any dog. He’s a proud fox‑red Labrador who’s grown up in the heart of the Monster Truck world. Wherever the trucks go, Spud goes too.
Spud takes his job seriously, roaming the arena, sniffing out leftover food and greeting anyone who rides the trucks with a wagging tail and a massive smile.
He's got a sixth sense for chaos and a Seventh sense for snacks - Offer him a chip and you've made a friend for life