Esler Crawford was one of Larne Motor Club’s longest standing members. Although he became famous as one of Ireland’s best known photographers, his interest in motor sport began at an early age. He joined Larne Motor Club in the early 1960s and one of his first events as a competitor was a night navigation and cross road autotest trial navigated by Fred Nelson in a Ford 8 van.
He turned his talents to navigating and in 1963 he won the Ulster Automobile Club Circuit of Ireland Rally with Ian Woodside in an Austin Healey Sprite. The next year he joined up with Robert McBurney in a VW Beetle winning the 1964 Larne Motor Club Starlight Rally.
In 1965 he joined the newly formed Larne Motor Club competitions committee and was Assistant Clerk of the Course of that year’s Starlight Rally. He continued in this role when the Starlight evolved into the Texaco Rally in 1969.
Esler became a member of Larne Motor Club’s Council eventually being elected Vice President, a role he held until his death.
Esler supported the Club in all our events and was famous for popping up in the most unlikely places to get a great shot. He has been a member and supporter of our Club for over 50 years and was a great friend of Irish motorsport.
