BUXTON - Report
By Halifax Speedway ~ Sunday 19th June 2011
The weather although dry was overcast and cold. Quite a respite from the previous 2 evenings proceedings. The first fixture saw Belle Vue beat Buxton 50-40 with several exciting races and numerous racing incidents. By the time the Dukes and Borderers first race arrived the track conditions had become very tricky.

The main aim of the Northern Junior League is to give the youngsters the opportunity to race at different tracks and gain invaluable experiences riding in a team and competitive event. Although winning is the aim, it is not the be all and end all. Every rider benefits from these experiences, building confidence and camaraderie as teams compete.
 
Once again Brenton Barnfield excelled showing the way round the Hi Edge arena to all, surely this young lad will be snapped up by a Premier League team soon. Today saw the return of Rachel to the Dukes line up, unfortunately having to lay her bike down to avoid striken team mate Dan, thankfully both were uninjured with only a dent to confidence.

Heat 2 saw Adam pass Ricky and Liam to collect the Dukes first race win of this seasons programme, unfortunately Daniel took a tumble and Liam broke down, but pushed the bike half a lap to help his team to a 3-3. Heat 3 Brenton from the gate and Rachel overcoming the challenge from Ricky. Heat 4 Brenton again from the gate with Adam passing Liam. A good meeting with the only downside a shoulder/arm injury to Daniel.
 

BERWICK - Report
By Halifax Speedway ~ Saturday 18th June 2011
Once again the rain arrived before the Dukes at Shielfield Park. The previous nights events and experiences now behind them and the lesson of how to adapt to conditions firmly planted in their minds by Manager Wayne Carter, Halifax were looking forward to the evenings racing.

Berwick were fielding Australian U21 finalist Brenton Barnfield and teenage sensation Liam Carr, but irrespective the teams confidence was not broken. Irrespective of the achievements and reputations the Dukes took to the track and stood proud of their achievements after the final race and the previous nights disappointments.

Derek Wilson took photos which can be viewed on the following link, you will need to sign into Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.157550317648979.39926.100001820344188&l=e7a2111eef
 

EDINBURGH - Report
By Halifax Speedway ~ Friday 17th June 2011
On a day that saw the mid day cancellation of Coventry, Scunthorpe, Plymouth and Somerset’s meetings due to rain, Edinburgh looked in doubt. The meeting between Edinburgh and Sheffield was started, rode through and ended in the rain. The meeting lacked any real racing due to the conditions with Edinburgh securing a 49-41 win.

Unfortunately the Dukes suffered with the wet conditions firstly with skating rink conditions on the track and then mechanical problems. Unphased by their disappointment the team have now experienced the lowest depths, but have gained invaluable experience of wet conditions and how the home riders adapted to conditions and stay upright.
 

DUKES WEBSITE GOES LIVE
By Halifax Speedway ~ Thursday 9th June 2011
Halifax Speedway are pleased to announce the launch of their new website www.halifaxdukes.co.uk with thanks to Tim at Mad Web Design.
 

DUKES MARCH ON
By Halifax Speedway ~ Saturday 30th July 2011
Follwoing Scunthorpe Scorpions 54-36 demolition of Premier League title hopefullls Glasgow Tigers, the Dukes took to the track to face unbeaten rivals Team Viking. With Team Viking fielding Scunthorpe Jotun Paints Saints star Adam Wrathall and ex Isle of Wight`s Tom Hill the task facing the Dukes looked ominous, especially when Wrathall rounded Scarboro in heat 1 to take a win.

Heat 2 saw the ever improving Chessell stave of the challenge of Hill to hold the scores intact at 6-6. With Hill out to prove a point, he rounded Scarboro on the second bend of heat 3 and with Kirby holding off Mitchell the Vikings edged into the lead 10-8.

Heat 4 saw the coming together of unbeaten Chessell and Wrathall. In the fastest time of the evening and superb entertaining speedway, Chessell took the honours from Wrathall and with Coles in an exciting race of his own edged out Holt to restore parity 12-12.

Heat 5 was an all action classic. Coles flying from the gate with Mitchell with Kirby in close proximity. Mitchell locked up and Kirby flew through the gap, soon reeling in Coles as well. 15-15.

A last heat decider on the way, saw an impatient Hill touch the tapes and a fifteen metre penalty for the restart. Wrathall flew from the gate knowing he had to win to ensure a draw. Chessell and Scarboro were by no means going to make things easy and chased Wrathall down relentlessly. On the third lap Wrathall`s bike lost power and was lucky that Chessell and Scarboro did not take him out as they passed him and Hills misery continued with an engine failure. 5-1 to the Dukes and match won.
 

SCUNTHORPE - Report
By Halifax Speedway ~ Friday 22nd July 2011
Follwoing Scunthorpe Saints victory over the Hornets from Newport by 54-39, the Stags were not as fortunate. Led by home debutants Chessell and Coles, the Dukes recorded their second win and still stand proud at the top of the Midland Junior Challenge League.

An exciting opening race saw Chessell passed by Scarboro, with Kenyon holding off the challenge of Kirby. A tapes infringement by Mitchell in heat 2 saw him starting 15 metres behind the rest. Coles powered to his first race win on his home debut with Mitchell closing every lap and securing a much appreciated point.

Heat 3 saw a nasty looking fall by Kenyon with Hellowell doing well to put the bike down trying to avoid him. Fortunately both were okay, but Kenyon excluded, Chessell took the win in the rerun. Heat 4 saw the Stags team riding at their best, Coles and Mitchell tried relentlessly, with Mitchells over exuberance causing him to fall. Heat 5 saw Kirby once again shooting from the start with Coles and Kenyon pushing all the way.

With defeat staring the Dukes in the face and Scarboro unbeaten, the odds were stacked against a win. But in keeping with tradition and the never say never attitude Chessell and Mitchell stepped up to the asking. A super start saw Chessell fly from the gate with Scarboro hard on his heels, Mitchell never far from Sarboros tail also. As the laps past, Scarboro was gaining and in a last ditch attempt to pass on the final bend of the final lap came to grief, sliding out in the deep dirt. Chessell a great win followed home by team mate Mitchell to secure a thrilling win.
 

BUXTON - Report
By Halifax Speedway ~ Sunday 10th July 2011
Following an exciting meeting between Buxton and Hackney where the visitors came away with a 50-40 win, the Halifax Hargreaves Foundry Dukes took on the Redcar NBT Stockton Van Centre Cubs.

With Rachel Hellowell suffering the effects of the previous weeks tumble, Connor Coles was drafted in. Once again on a tricky Buxton track the riders struggled, only the wily Pete Johnson adapted quickly and scored a perfect maximum. Credit to Connor Coles, although an exclusion in heat 3, served up the best race of the day, pushing Johnson all the way in the final heat.
 

BUXTON - Report
By Halifax Speedway ~ Sunday 3rd July 2011
Following a great win by Buxton over Mildenhall by 45-44 in the National League Fixture, the Halifax Hargreaves Foundry Dukes took to the track with Linlithgow Tyres Kumho King’s. Unfortunately the Dukes suffered two fold, the none arrival of Dan Mitchell and to compound matters the nasty tumble Rachel Hellowell took on her first outing.

For the second consecutive match in her first heat, Hellowell was un-cermoniously dismounted from her machine through no fault of her own. A quite spectacular somersault ending being thrown against the fence, looked as it was the end of Hellowells' racing Day. Fortunately no injury was sustained, just the wind taken out of her and Hellowell returned for the re-run.

With 4 consecutive rides being the order of the day for the Dukes pairing, Hellowell was given a well deserved rest for heat 2, where McBain righted his wrong in the first heat to give heat advantage to the King's, Kenyon pushing him all the way and a special mention for Learmouth returning after injury. Heat 3 saw Kenyon pushing Morris for 2 laps before the pressure told on Morris who slid off allowing Kenyon his first heat win of the season. Learmouth held of the challenge of Hellowell who was still suffering the effects of her heat 1 tumble.

An exciting climax to the final heat, which saw Kenyon pushing McBain before sliding off and the heat awarded giving the King's their first away win.
 

SCUNTHORPE - Report
By Halifax Speedway ~ Saturday 2nd July 2011
Following the Premier League Knockout Cup win on the night by Scunthorpe, the Juniors of Scunthorpe rose to the occasion to draw with Halifax 18-18. The only thing that seperated the teams was the unfortunate bike problems Adam Kenyon has suffered over the past weeks. In the first heat Dan Mitchell scorched away after Adam Kenyon missed the gate. Adam chased well for 2 laps and just as he was passing Conor Dwyer, his nights misery started. David Holt pushed Dan for the next 2 laps, but dan was determined and held on for a fine win.

Heat 2 saw the return to track racing for Halifax rider/coach Wayne Carter. The experience gained by the other riders racing against a calibre rider would only enhance their riding careers. All the riders rose to the occasion, even Wayne himself, posting a race win on parr with the previous meetings times. Heat 3 once again saw all 4 riders pushing themselves to their limits, with an excellent effort from Adam Kirby to push Wayne all the way, with Conor Dwyer and Rachel Hellowell having their own tussle.

Heat 4 saw an excellent gate by Adam Kenyon and Dan Mitchell, riding on a 5-1 until lap 3 when Adams bike again suffered at the hands of those horrible gremlins. Heat 5 was the race of the match where Dan Mitchell was pushed to the limits by Adam Kirby for 4 laps. Dan stood firm and took and excellent win. Heat 6 saw the chance for the Dukes to seal their first win of the season, again while on a 4-2 heat win Adam Kenyons bike played up again.

All in all an excellent spectacle of junior racing at its best. It must be mentioned that most of the riders racing this evening have been tutored by Wayne Carter at Scunthorpes excellent training facilities and meetings like this where the juniors and tutors can safely race must only enhance this spectacular sport of ours.
 

DUKES CHAINED AGAIN
By Halifax Speedway ~ Monday 29th August 2011
After the recent defeat by Team Viking the Dukes were hoping to get back on target for a top 2 finish to reach the final of the Midland Junior Challenge League Final. But once again the riders were beset by mechanical problems, which allowed the Invaders to cruise to victory.

The main objective of the league is to give the juniors a chance to learn and by the evenings events it was clear that they had certainly learned a lesson. With only 4 finishes in 12 rides the Dukes need to re group and focus on finishing every ride, irrespective of position gained.
 
For the Invaders, it looks promising but never count your chickens, especially if there from green eggs!!!!
 

DUKES TACKLE INVADERS
By Halifax Speedway ~ Monday 22nd August 2011
This weekend will see the Dukes take on Long Eaton in a decisive match at Beaumont Park. Long Eaton will be fielding a strong side to ensure they qualify for the final, but the Dukes will be out to consolidate their position and hopefully give the Invaders strong opposition at fortress Beaumont Park.

Irrespective of the outcome, both teams have represented their colours with pride in their performances and given opportunities to riders who deserve more recognition.
 

VIKING VICTORY REVENGE
By Halifax Speedway ~ Saturday 6th August 2011
In front of a healthy partisan crowd at Owlerton Stadium and following the previous Friday's defeat, Team Viking were out for revenge. Despite Team Viking fielding a strenghtend side with Hackney ace Ben Hopwood drafted in, along with Lee Geary and Guest rider in the form of our own Rachel Hellowell the Dukes remained confident.

Even more so when Scarboro powered from the gate in heat 1 to leave Hopwood stranded at the start and with Dan Mitchell taking the minor placing the Dukes took an early lead 4-2. Suddenly the Dukes march towards the securing the title as winners of the inaugural winners of The Midland Junior Challenge League took an abrupt set back.
 
With Luke Chessell and Mikey Mitchell out in heat 2, the Dukes were in confident mood to increase the lead. With Chessell out of the gate like a bullet and Hill and Geary in chase, Mitchell was left to pull up suffering mechanical misery. To compound matters, the unfortunate Chessell who had led comfortably for 3 laps, shed both chains and took an horrifying fall and was passed by Hill and Geary to move the Vikings into the lead 7-4. Fortunately Chessell only suffered minor cuts, bruising and confidence bashing.
 
Mitchell never arrived at the start from a 2 minute warning and was promptly excluded from heat 3. Hopwood returned the compliment to Scarboro leaving him at the gate, with Hellowell taking third and the Vikings increasing their lead to 11-6. Heat 4 saw Hill and Geary trap and the Mitchells left to give chase. Although Mikey Mitchel`s bike being under power he never gave up the chase, but the Vikings edged closer to victory. 16-7. Heat 5 saw Scarboro on his third ride ease away from the tapes, with Geary pushing all the way, Dan Mitchell helped restore some parity with the Dukes taking a 4-2 to ease the scores closer to 18-11.
 
With the Dukes requiring a 5-1 to take the bonus point, Chessell declared himself fit to ride to try to salvage some pride for the team. Hopwood was having none of it, away from the start with Scarboro on his tail he wasnt letting anything go. Chessell tried hard and held off the challenge from Hill, but was clearly struggling after his earlier fall. A 3-3 saw the Vikings clinch the match and bonus points to lift them to second in the table. An entertaining and exciting meeting for those who witnessed it.
 

DUKES WOE
By Halifax Speedway ~ Sunday 11th September 2011
Once again the woes of the reality of riding speedway at a competitive level beset Halifax. After giving his best and being unfortunate to fall in his first 2 heats, Connor Coles could not take his third ride due to injuries sustained. Lets hope Connor is fit and well as soon as possible to resume his promising entrance into competitive speedway racing.

Adam Kenyon was unlucky after his introduction to National League Racing in the previous week, watch this boy. Michael Mitchell is gaining confidence with every outing and will produce the goods. Rachel Hellowell after her early season bumps and bruises is on the way back and growing in stature with every ride.
 
Lets look at this in context. The Dukes are a team made up mainly of local riders, 100% triers and what this league is all about, giving junior riders the opportunity to race in competitive conditions. The experiences gained from racing at this level is setting all up for their futures in the sport.

It would be very easy for the Dukes to select a team every week who are eligible to ride in the Midland Junior Challenge League and win easily. Initially Halifax teams were selected to have a evenly matched meeting, but then the reality of what we want to achieve took preference.

Looking further ahead than a title or cup in this competition, the return of speedway to Halifax is the main objective. Halifax Dukes are alive and kicking, with local riders who the town can relate to. The level of publicity achieved is way beyond expectations and local press in Halifax have been wonderful with their coverage and we thank them.

We have one remaining meeting at Sheffield and again will be using our local riders, so to all the Dukes fans who want to see speedway return to Halifax, get over to Sheffield on the 29th September and support us.
 
Watch this space for news relating to progress of Speedways return to Halifax that will be released early October.
 

NEW TRACK UPDATE
By Halifax Speedway ~ Thursday 20th October 2011
The following was received from the Enviromental Officers at Calderdale; We have had a look at the second noise report and although the silencers do reduce the sound emissions and eliminate the RASP noise, the noise levels still produced are high i.e. on site over 100dBa for one bike.

In relation to the site in question I am afraid my seniors and I do feel this is not an appropriate site for this kind of open air development. Although we appreciate the background noise levels are high due to the road traffic, however during the evening and at weekends which is when your events would occur the background noise level drops dramatically. Given that there are houses in an elevated position, we do feel that at this stage there would be detrimental effect to the occupiers of these properties. I am sorry this is not the feedback you were wanting from us.
 
Although this is not the news we wanted to hear, do not to worry. It is not the end just another step further along the wide and twisting roads of Halifax to find a suitable site to re house the Dukes. Keep on supporting the Dukes as we will be back bigger and stronger next season in the necessary Leagues to keep the name alive.
 
Also special news will arrive in the New Year of an exciting development that all Dukes fans can be involved.
 

NORTHERN JUNIOR LEAGUE RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP
By Halifax Speedway ~ Sunday 17th October 2011
Following many delays in the warm up meeting which Berwick won 52-41, the Northern Junior League Riders Championship was finally staged, albeit in a shortened version. A special mention for Rachel Hellowell, to whom James McBain will be eternally grateful for laying her bike down in order to avoid the fallen rider. Everyone who witnessed the event was agast at the speed and professionalism of her manouvere.

After 4 qualifying heats, Connor Coles, Liam Carr, Peter Johnson and Gary Flint emerged as the finalists. From the tapes Flint and Johnson gated well and held position for 2 laps, but Carr and Coles were in close proximity ready to pounce. On the third lap Carr edged round Johson and on the final bend of the final lap and using the wide out dirt for drive flew past Flint and became the YOUNGEST RIDER TO WIN THE NORTHERN JUNIOR LEAGUE RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE. Liam is only 15 and Connor 17, so the League is achieving its goal to bring fresh young talent through, with the aid of some more experienced riders to compete against.

Many thanks to the Berwick promotion and all the sponsors.
 

MIDLAND DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE EXPANDS
By Halifax Speedway 30th November 2011
The Midland Development League is expanding, Milton Keynes are now included in the league and will race at Rye House/Mildenhall. This will give riders a further chance to hone their skills at different tracks, also MDL co-ordinator Kelvin Lapworth is delighted to announce a tie up between the MDL and The Helzod stars speedway club of Belgium which will see the champions of the MDL compete in the following years Belgian international four team tournament against teams from Belgium, Holland and Germany.

This is great news for Long Eaton as they will be the first team to take up this opportunity in next years meeting which takes place over the weekend of 23rd and 24th June at the Huesden - Zolder track. The venue is roughly 3 hours drive from Calais; "I am very pleased with this tie-up as I think it gives extra reward to the league champions and will become an annual event to the calendar. It is also hoped that the Belgians will bring over a four man squad towards the towards the end of September to take on some MDL teams."
 
On the team front, Halifax Dukes will continue to keep faith in last years squad, with the addition of 3 new exciting riders who are yet to experience competitive league racing.