Bob Jackson was one of an almost extinct species, a gilt-hearted enthusiast. His quiet and reflective manner belied his achievements in motor sport and charity work, as well as a mischievous sense of humour which enlivened many a post-race gathering.
Bob Jackson was one of an almost extinct species, a gilt-hearted enthusiast. His quiet and reflective manner belied his achievements in motor sport and charity work, as well as a mischievous sense of humour which enlivened many a post-race gathering.
The son of a gardener, Ardee-born Bob Jackson grew up near Wicklow town, which staged the 1950s Leinster Trophy motor and motorcycle races. From Rathnew bridge's grassy bank, he marvelled at the speed and panache of such legendary racers as Bobbie Baird, Joe Kelly, Pierce Cahill, Reg Armstrong and Mike Hawthorn, who went on to become Britain's first world champion.
Bob's first job was in a garage in Kilmacanogue. He tuned a motorcycle which he raced before progressing to midget-car racing. He soon dominated the Irish Championships, winning the Geller Trophy and six Irish titles. His meticulous preparation and thoughtful and determined driving established new standards.
In the late 1970s, together with fellow Wicklow enthusiasts David Sheane and Mick Merrigan, Bob helped to establish the inexpensive Formula VW single-seater class, which uncovered fresh motor sport talent. He also built the Jackson car, which was driven by the first Irish champion, Ned Dickenson.
Three years ago, Bob helped to organise the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Wicklow motor and motorcycle races. Many famous drivers and riders attended and a plaque was unveiled at Whitegates, to which fellow-enthusiasts will soon add Bob's own name. At the time of his death, he was also trying to revive the annual Rathdrum road race.
No after-race function was complete without a contribution from Bob. He regaled guests with mock race commentaries and his favourite story of Joe Kelly's argument with stewards, after a last-corner somersault catapulted Joe and his car separately across the line. As the driver preceded the car across the line, Joe insisted that the stewards should time him, rather than the car.
In his latter years, Bob devoted his energy and expertise to car restoration. Amid the birdsong and the hum of insects in his wild-flowered yard, he patiently restored life to long-neglected Morris Minors, Ford Prefects and MG TDs. "He was always a perfectionist," his wife Pearl said. "Whether it was racing or restoration, he had the rare ability to clearly think a project through from beginning to end. If it didn't work one way, he tried another. He was very patient. He never gave up."
In between his car restorations, Bob played an active role in both the Wickow regatta and the annual St Patrick's Day parade. His civic activities earned him the Freedom of Wicklow Town.
Unknown to many motor sport friends, he also more quietly donated time and energy to charitable work. He played a vital role in the Ozanam House project, which provided flats for homeless people, and he was the St Vincent de Paul Society's representative to Wicklow County Council. He was a founder-member of Arklow's MABS, which dispensed family budgetary advice. These activities gained him a Wicklow People "Person of the Year" award in 2002.
Everything Bob Jackson did was for love. His reward was not the millions one associates with modern motorsport, but a funeral attendance so multitudinous that, had he had prior warning, one feels he would have done a bunk for the first time in his courageous and unselfish life.
After the funeral procession paused at the Whitegates Wicklow Trophy plaque, Bob was buried in Rathnew cemetery, beside the road on which he first saw motor racing.
B.L.