Behind every great motorsport event, there are individuals who work tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly—people who may not always be in the spotlight but whose dedication makes all the difference. In Ultra4 Europe, one of these key figures is David Robson.
For years, David has been the backbone of U4E logistics, traveling across Europe to support teams, competitors, and organizers. Whether at the start line, behind the scenes, or out on the course, he is always there—ready with a helping hand, a word of advice, or a reassuring smile. But beyond his professional role, David is a man driven by passion, adventure, and a deep love for the off-road world.
Respected both in Europe and across the Atlantic—where he plays a crucial role in King of the Hammers—David embodies the spirit of Ultra4 Racing. Humble yet indispensable, he prefers to let his actions speak for him.
When I asked him for this interview, his response was simple: “Why me?” But if you’ve ever been part of an Ultra4 Europe race, you already know why.
Now, it’s time to discover the man who keeps ultra4 Europe moving: David Robson’s story
David Robson: The Man Behind Ultra4 Europe’s Success
“Why me?” That was David Robson’s response when I asked him for this interview. A few simple words that perfectly capture the modesty of a man who is, without a doubt, one of the pillars of Ultra4 Europe. In this article, we won’t just get to know David Robson, the Ultra4 Europe representative—we’ll also discover the man behind the role.
If you’ve ever attended an Ultra4 Europe race—whether as a driver, co-driver, team member, or even just a spectator—you’ll undoubtedly recognize David. Always smiling, always approachable, he is one of the cornerstones of U4E.
During races, you’ll find him near the start/finish line, but his true essence shines behind the scenes, where he is always ready to offer advice, lend a helping hand, and ensure everything runs smoothly. As Ultra4 Europe’s European Logistics Manager, he is both impeccably professional and warmly personable. He’s the kind of person you’d trust with your most valuable possessions. And beyond his organizational skills, what I admire most is when he talks about his off-road adventures—his eyes light up with enthusiasm, and I could listen to him for hours.
From the East Midlands to the Heart of Ultra4 Europe
Originally from the East Midlands—specifically Hinckley, a town of over 43,000 people in Leicestershire, England—David spends much of his time on the road, often accompanied by his son Joe. Traveling across Europe in the Ultra4 Europe truck, he is the backbone of logistics at competition sites.
But for David, this isn’t just a job—it’s a passion. He sees his role as a mission, ensuring both the teams and the spectators have the best experience possible.
Respected on Both Sides of the Atlantic: David Robson at King of the Hammers
Alongside Chris Bowler, David Robson is one of the very few Europeans to hold a key role in the legendary King of the Hammers in California. His deep understanding of Dave Cole, Ultra4 Racing’s professionalism, and KOH’s high standards make him an invaluable member of the team. Though David would never admit it himself, being entrusted with such an important role at one of the world’s most prestigious off-road events is no small feat—it’s a well-earned recognition of his dedication and expertise.
When I first approached David about this interview, he was genuinely surprised: “Why me?” A response that perfectly reflects his humility and only enhances the deep respect and admiration he has earned in the off-road world.
And now, here’s the full interview, where David Robson shares his journey and, with characteristic modesty, allows us to get to know him a little better.
– When and how did you get passionate about off-road?
Well I suppose I have always been interested in offroad since my days in the military where we used Land Rover ser11A on the ranges and convoy escort vehicles. After a few years I purchased a 4×4 to tow a caravan and became involved with a local 4×4 club mainly to reduce insurance costs this led to days and weekends green laneing where i was involved with teaching others how to drive offroad safely thanks to my military training. This in turn led me into winch challenge after agreeing to co-drive for a good friend and this continued for a number of years until things started to get very expensive.
– I know you love adventure travel, tell us about some of your experiences
You ask about adventure and travel well this started after my wife and I bought an overland camping trailer one of the very first of its kind in the UK. With this which was only 3 Mtr long carried its own tent and contained every thing including a fridge freezer and kitchen sink we started to travel through Europe taking in the glorious Alps and Pyrenees. Some of these trips were organised tours others were a follow the sun kind of trips with very good friends. One of these trips led us although trailer less into the depths of Morrocco where 200mtrs into the famous Erb Chebby dunes i stripped the splines on both rear drive shafts and ended up winching the 200 Mtrs out then had to find a local welder and perform a bush fix by welding the flanges to the end of the shafts and drove on for another couple of days before we came to Zagora where we found a garage who could supply new shafts and flanges. After fitting the guys at the shop would not let us leave until they put the car over the pit and carried out a full check and grease up at no extra cost.
– When and how did you meet Ultra4 Europe?
I first met Ultra4 at the very first event which was held at Walters Arena in Wales in 2012. I was part of a pit crew, sadly we were not very successful due to breakdowns but we had a blast. The following year I was back in Walters as a volunteer I was Hooked. Since then I have gone from just a volunteer to being part of the core group, with my son Joe we made a formidable team dealing with organising sponsorship areas and, line up, and course control where necessary, fast response and recovery all with my trusty Defender 90.
– What is your role at Ultra4 Europe?
This year I have a new role as European logistics. My role is to ensure that all of the equipment needed to set, mark, and decorate the courses throughout Europe arrives at the correct location on time, and in a useable condition.
– Both before and during and after each race you are very busy, which is your favorite moment of the race?
I think for me the best part of every race is the moment the flag drops and the first car leaves the line, then you know that all of the work has been worth it and hopefully the crews will enjoy another spectacular course set by a dedicated and amazing team.
– Can you tell me your best memory in Ultra4 Europe?
I have many memories with Ultra4 but I think one which will always stand out is the last event in Varano De Melegari in Italy. This race was to be a 1 day event over an 8 km course in a mountain riverbed. The course was all set after 2 days work and looking awesome. Then on the Wednesday evening the winds got up and when I looked out on thursday the gale force winds were still blowing and the whole course had been destroyed. The weather forecasts showed that the winds were due to drop over Friday, the decision was made to mark the prologue course with weighted traffic cones which Pier Acerni was able to acquire for us. Saturday Morning 4am saw me out dropping equipment at points along the proposed course then set up started all over again and at the stroke of 9am as the lest flag was placed on course the first car went off the line.
– For you, in the context of the European off-roader, what does Ultra4 Europe represent?
For me Ultra4 Europe represents for all of the 5 classes a level playing field with strict regulations for each class through the Global Rule Book, and a format to suit the conditions of each event. This brings us to The Big One.
– In addition to Europe, for many years you have been active at the King of the Hammers, when was your first time in the lakebed and what did you think?
I have been attending King Of The Hammers since 2014 when as a spectator I was amazed at the size of the town in the high desert constructed from trailers, marques and RV’s which starts to grow 2 weeks before the event and is gone 2 weeks after. And since 2014 I personally think Hammertown has grown 3 fold and there is now street names so makes it easier when you want to find someone.
– What do you do at KOH?
Now after attending for 5 years as part of Ultra4 Europe I have been involved in many tasks from Crowd Control. Through Start Line crew, recovery manager in Back Door, race line up and this year pit manager at remote Pit 2A 4 miles out in the desert.
– What differences did you find between KOH and the European races?
In comparison Ultra4 Europe is a snack in the park. KOH is a full blown dinner in the best restaurant in town with hundreds of race teams and thousands of spectators.
– Next year there will still be the Road to Hammers for European drivers, what do you feel to advise them to better face the King of the Hammers?
So, with Road to the Hammers continuing and if you are successful in gaining a place. You will need the best team you can put together with a car built for reliability and also for you personal fitness to the highest level quote from a competitor from a previous race. This is like sitting in an industrial tumble dryer for 12 Hours and this was just 1 Lap and you have 3 to cover.
– And finally, with your experience, what do you recommend to those who want to approach Ultra4 Europe races?
If you are thinking about getting involved in Ultra4 racing there is no need to spend stupid money. Why not start off in Stock class, don’t get me wrong it is still not cheap but a darn lot cheaper than going in at higher level and you can still have a great load of fun. The Global Rule Book can be found on the Ultra4 web site, so take a look and start building and remember if you need any clarification on any points there are people just an email away.
