Champion, Competitor, Clubman – Remembering Robert Woodside

There are some people who pass through a motor club, and others who become part of its very fabric. Robert Woodside was firmly the latter.

A lifelong member of Larne Motor Club, Robert’s involvement in motorsport stretched back over half a century — a remarkable journey that began in the late 1960s and continued right up to recent years.

The early days

Robert’s story in motorsport began in the late 1960s, during the golden era of grassroots Autotesting. By 1969 he was already making his mark, competing — and winning — events in Moy, famously in a beach buggy.

That same year, he became Northern Ireland Autotest Champion, a title he would go on to win again in 1972 — a clear reflection of both his natural ability and consistency.

He was also part of the Northern Ireland team that won the prestigious Ken Wharton Autotest, representing his region at the highest level of the discipline.

Even at that early stage, it was clear Robert was something special.

A dominant force.

While Autotesting was where it began, Robert’s career reached new heights in Hillclimbing and sprinting.

During the 1990s, he became a multiple Northern Ireland Hillclimb Champion and Northern Ireland Sprint Champion, establishing himself as one of the leading drivers of his era.

This wasn’t just success — it was domination.

Competing in demanding machinery and against strong competition, Robert consistently proved himself at the very top level, earning respect across the sport for both his speed and his commitment.

Cairncastle, in particular, became one of the stages where his ability was most evident — a challenging hill where only the very best excel.

A lifetime in the sport.

Despite those achievements, Robert’s approach to motorsport never changed.

He remained someone who simply loved being involved — whether competing, spectating, or taking part in club events. In later years, he continued to compete in events such as the Laharna Lanes Rally, still enjoying the challenge and the atmosphere.

From championship-winning years to grassroots events, he was always part of it.

Life beyond motorsport.

Away from the sport, Robert was also a co-founder of a successful family haulage business based in Ballynure — built on hard work, determination, and strong values.

Those same qualities were evident throughout his motorsport career.

A cornerstone of Larne Motor Club.

Within Larne Motor Club, Robert was more than just a competitor.

He was one of the constants — a familiar and respected presence in the paddock, someone who had seen the sport evolve over decades but remained just as passionate as ever.

For many, he represented what the club is all about: commitment, community, and a genuine love of motorsport.

A mark of respect.

The respect Robert held within the motorsport community was clear to see recently, when members of Larne Motor Club and fellow competitors observed a minute’s silence before the Autotest at The Junction.

It was a simple moment, but a powerful one — a reflection of the esteem in which he was held by those who knew him and competed alongside him.

A lasting legacy.

Robert Woodside's legacy is one of both achievement and longevity.

From Northern Ireland Autotest Champion, to Ken Wharton team winner, to

Hillclimb and Sprint Champion during a dominant period in the 1990s, and through to decades of continued involvement in Larne Motor Club — his contribution to motorsport is immense.

Robert’s passion for motorsport didn’t stop with his own achievements. He passed that love of the sport on through his family, inspiring the next generation to become successful competitors in their own right. His influence can be seen not only in what he achieved, but in what followed — a lasting motorsport legacy built on his example.

He will be deeply missed by everyone in the club and across the wider motorsport community.

Robert’s funeral will take place on Thursday. The thoughts of everyone in the club are with his family and friends at this time.