Robert Woodside Senior, co-founder of Woodside Haulage Limited in Ballynure, Co Antrim, died in hospital on Thursday morning. He was 88.

Woodside gained recognition in autotest events and earned the nickname 'the King' from fellow competitor Beatty Crawford. He won several Northern Ireland titles in hillclimb and sprint competitions.

He captained the Northern Ireland autotest team to victory in the Ken Wharton Trophy six times against teams from England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

Crawford described Woodside's driving skill in a Volkswagen Beetle as highly precise, noting a technique to shift into reverse while steering on full lock. Crawford added that Woodside excelled in single-seater events but not special stage rallying, and competed in lane events until a couple of years ago.

Denis Biggerstaff, former British Rallycross Champion, called Woodside a great man. Caroline McGuiness, a marshal at Targa events, described him as a gentleman who appreciated marshals' work in all weather.

A Service of Celebration takes place at Templepatrick Presbyterian Church next Thursday at 10.30am, followed by private interment.

Woodside is survived by wife Maureen, sons Mark, Simon and Tim, daughter Suzanne, and grandchildren Ben, Holly, James, Rebecca and Christopher.