Robert Woodside: tributes paid to a ‘true legend of Northern Ireland motorsport’ and Woodside Haulage co-founder

Well-known in the motorsport community and co-founder of Woodside Haulage Limited in Ballynure, Mr Woodside passed away in hospital on April 16.

A funeral notice remembers him as the dearly loved husband of Maureen, much loved father of Mark, Simon, Tim and Suzanne, dear father-in-law of Sarah and Helen, and loving grandfather of Ben, Holly, James, Rebecca and Christopher.

A service celebrating Robert’s life, held in Templepatrick Presbyterian Church on April 23, marked “88 years of a life well-lived”, said minister, Rev Richard Kerr.

Mr Woodside’s daughter Suzanne told those gathered how her father had grown up on the family farm near Ballynure and from early age, “gravitated towards anything with wheels”.

A former pupil at Larne Grammar, he later attended Portrush Catering College, becoming a qualified chef. In the years that followed, he worked in the hospitality industry, managing the Lombard Coffee Bar on Rosemary Street. In 1963, he opened the Carrera Ballroom in Ballyclare with friend, Jack Bingham.

By the 1960s, Suzanne added, her father’s motorsport endeavours were in full swing. With the Beetle his car of choice, becoming sales manager of Isaac Agnew’s Volkswagen dealership was a “natural fit”.

Robert married Maureen in 1969 and around the same time, Woodside Brothers began. “By 1975, there were four children under the age of five. Mum was the lynchpin that held it all together, with Dad working seven days a week building the business with his brothers,” his daughter recalled.

In the 1990s, Plum Tyndall’s Formula Friendly was the gateway for Robert to enjoy a whole new chapter of motorsport in single seaters.

Even when he decided to hang up his racing boots, Robert continued to enjoy lanes rallies, target test days, and the occasional autotest – competing in his final event in 2025, aged 87.

“We are very proud of Dad; [he] was steadfast and loyal, he was generous, loving and supportive, and we adored him,” Suzanne said.

In a statement, the officers and members of Newtownabbey and District Old Vehicle Club said they were “deeply saddened” to learn of Mr Woodside’s passing.

"Robert was a great friend and valued supporter of our club for many years, and his presence will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” the Club added.

"He was a true legend of Northern Ireland motorsport, whose passion, dedication and contribution to the community has left a lasting impact.”

Mr Woodside was fondly remembered by many others in the motorsport community, with a number of groups posting their own tributes on social media.

"Robert [was] one of the most talented drivers ever to compete,” said Autotest Drivers Club NI.

"His successes in autotesting, rallying, sprints and hillclimbs are too many to list. He will be sadly missed.”

His passing marked the “end of an era”, wrote Larne Motor Club: “Robert was a one of a kind. From the early autotest days, rallycross and right up to the Laharna Lanes Rally in recent years, he was always there supporting our wee club, enjoying what he did and entertaining us as he went.”

Mr Woodside’s family requested that donations in lieu of flowers can be made, if desired, to Air Ambulance NI online.